9 Best Sugar-free Gums That Promote Good Oral Health

Written by Shebna V, Health & Fitness Coach
Updated on Nov 12, 2024
best sugar free gum
best sugar free gum
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine can help you prevent concerns like bad breath, cavities, and tooth decay. And, when it comes to dental health, your gums ought to be strong and healthy. Most people are not very fond of gum or mouth freshers that contain a lot of sugar, especially if they are health conscious. That’s why our experts have put in hours of research and tested some of the best sugar-free gums available on the market – they not only act as a great breath freshener and oral hygiene aid but also offer a lot of benefits. Read on to find everything out.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), in chewing gums, sugar is defined as monosaccharides and disaccharides. The former consists of fructose, glucose, and galactose, whereas the latter contains sucrose, lactose, and maltose. However, these do not contain sorbitol, maltitol, or xylitol, as they are regarded as non-cariogenic sweeteners. In this sense, they provide a sweet taste which is not a suitable substrate for bacteria present in the mouth (1). 

On the other hand, sugarless gums contain sugar alcohols namely xylitol, derived from pentose, and sorbitol derived from glucose. And, while chewing the gum, most oral bacteria do not metabolize to form acid but enhance saliva stimulation (2). Furthermore, as defined by ADA, chewing sugar or zero-calorie gum for at least 20 minutes after meals is recommended for stimulating saliva flow, and mechanical and taste receptors which are highly responsible for preventing cavities (1). 

To sum up, picking the best sugarless gum will make your teeth more resistant to decay and keep dental problems at bay. So, go ahead and check out our list of delicious, modern chewing gums that also lend you an instant burst of freshness and ice-like coolness.

9 Best Sugar-free Gums

Freshen your breath and promote good oral health by investing in Trident’s massive pack of chewing gums without sugar. The pack comes in an original flavor that is derived from peppermint and cinnamon. In addition, this gum is made from xylitol which not only fights against plaque but also cleans and protects your teeth leaving behind a long-lasting freshness. Furthermore, with less than 30% calories found in sugared gum, these individually packed stick-like gums help in balancing the pH levels of your teeth to maintain healthy smiles. 

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Prevents cavities
  • Travel-friendly packaging
  • Available in plenty of flavors
Cons
  • Little stiff to chew
  • Most Flavorful

    mentos Sugar-free Chewing Gum - Pack of 4 bottles

    mentos Sugar-free Chewing Gum - Pack of 4 bottles
  • The scrumptious tropical red fruit lime flavor of Mentos chewing gum is perfect for an instant burst of freshness when indoors or outdoors. This pack has 4 bottles each containing 50 fruity and guilt-free gums. They are round in shape and have a light-coated crunchy shell that breaks down to make you enjoy the flavor-filled chewy filling on the inside. Plus, with pure green tea extracts and xylitol, these sugar-free gums not only fight tooth decay but also kill bacteria. 

    Pros
    • Easy to refill
    • Available in 9 flavors
    • Available in a pack of 6
    • Long-lasting freshness
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • WRIGLEY’s Extra Spearmint Sugar-free Chewing Gum - Pack of 10

    WRIGLEY’s Extra Spearmint Sugar-free Chewing Gum - Pack of 10
  • With a whopping 53K plus ratings on Amazon, this pack of 10 gums from Extra is one of the best sugar-free gums to enhance your oral health. Each pack contains 15 sticks that are artificially as well as naturally flavored with spearmint. Plus, the refreshing sensation of mint tempts your taste buds and without a doubt makes it a great breath freshener and an oral hygiene aid. Moreover, it is a healthier alternative compared to other sugar-infused gums. 

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Available in 8 flavors
    • Convenient packaging
    • Does not contain preservatives
    Cons
    • Little sour
  • Best for On-the-go Freshness

    ORBIT PEPPERMINT GUM - Pack of 12

    ORBIT PEPPERMINT GUM - Pack of 12
  • Tingle your taste buds with this no-sugar gum approved by the American Dental Association and brought to you by Orbit. These gums come in an artificial flavor of peppermint to help you eliminate foul breath within seconds. After chewing this gum for a maximum of 20 minutes, you will notice a cooling sensation and a better flow of saliva. All in all, this gum deserves to be called the best sugar-free gum for teeth and overall dental care.

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Packed conveniently
    • Available in 6 flavors
    • Makes teeth resistant to decay
    Cons
    • Taste doesn’t last long

    Quick Tip:

    Pop this gum in your mouth to stay awake and alert during long road trips. The act of chewing and the potent peppermint flavor can stimulate the senses.

  • Best for Ice-like Coolness

    5 Gum PEPPERMINT COBALT SUGARFREE GUM - Pack of 10

     5 Gum PEPPERMINT COBALT SUGARFREE GUM - Pack of 10
  • Chewing gums that leave behind an ice cube-like coolness altogether have a different fanbase. And, not to forget their ability to cool every slurp of water. So, for all those who love such kinds of gums, look what we found for you — a pack of 10 peppermint cobalt sugar-free gums from the brand 5 Gum. Each of these comes in the form of a stick that stimulates saliva and pumps out freshened breath right after the first chew. There is something more — with natural and artificial flavors, this gum is also suitable for teens.

     

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Very refreshing
    • Long-lasting flavor
    • Available in 7 flavors
    Cons
    • Expires within 2 months
  • Best Long-lasting Flavor

    WRIGLEY’S eclipse Spearmint gum

    WRIGLEY’S eclipse Spearmint gum
  • Experience the cool, tingling sensation of this spearmint-flavored gum from one of the most renowned sugar-free gum brands — Wrigley’s eclipse! It brings to you a total of 180 gums in a resealable bag that you can carry anywhere anytime. Plus, for an incredibly fresher breath, all you need to do is pull out one gum from the pack and begin chewing it for a desirable burst of freshness. Adding to that, the taste is not very overpowering and the gum is very easy to chew. 

    Pros
    • Most affordable
    • Long-lasting minty flavor
    • Prevents drying of the mouth
    • Doesn’t harden after prolonged chewing
    Cons
    • The outer shell might melt if the bag is left open
  • Best Mouthwatering Refreshment

    WRIGLEY’S eclipse POLAR ICE SUGAR-FREE Gum - Pack of 6

    WRIGLEY’S eclipse POLAR ICE SUGAR-FREE Gum - Pack of 6
  • Here comes yet another gum without sugar from the shelf of Wrigley’s eclipse for you! We promise you will sheerly love the refreshing burst of polar ice flavor and the gum’s power to lay a blanket of coolness in your mouth. The delectable minty taste of the gum not only helps in keeping your breath fresh but also aids in maintaining good oral health. The packaging is also convenient and hence, you can keep it in your cars, pockets, bags, or even your work desk. So, grab this pack of 6 chewing gums without any second thoughts.

    Pros
    • Crispy minty shell
    • Long-lasting effects
    • Available in 2 more flavors
    • Helps prevent dry mouth
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best for Kids and Adults

    Bazooka SUGAR FREE BUBBLE GUM - Pack of 6

    Bazooka SUGAR FREE BUBBLE GUM - Pack of 6
  • This sugar-free bubble gum from Bazooka will make you reminisce about your good old-school chewing gum-eating days. The original pink color and its classic flavor make it deliciously chewy and thus an all-time favorite of kids as well as adults. Plus, the individually wrapped bubble gum pieces make it travel-friendly and easy to share. The bite-sized pieces have a long-lasting effect and thus prevent bad breath. Moreover, it is approved by the American Dental Association and is considered to be one of the healthiest gums with no sugar. 

     

    Pros
    • Softer to chew
    • Resealable lid
    • Vintage packaging
    • Stays fresh in the container
    Cons
    • Contains phenylalanine

    Quick Tip:

    This gum has the potential to become hard in colder temperatures, always ensure that it is at room temperature before popping it in your mouth.

  • Juicy Fruit Sugar Free Fruity Chews Gum - Pack of 6

     Juicy Fruit Sugar Free Fruity Chews Gum - Pack of 6
  • Maintain your oral hygiene by chewing the best sugarless gum by Juicy Fruit! As the name suggests, the gum unveils the sweet fruity flavor that it holds within after the breaking of the light-coated crunchy shell. The plus points of chewing this gum are its original and long-lasting flavor, no added preservatives, and zero calories that not only manage to take good care of your teeth but also strengthen your gums and prevent cavities.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Easy to carry
    • Refills available
    • Ideal for everyday consumption
    Cons
    • No flavor options

    This was our list of the best gums without sugar. Now, let us run through our buying guide.

     

    What’s in Sugarfree Gum?

    The ingredients present in sugar-free gum vary from brand to brand and product to product. However, they have one common denominator – artificial sweeteners that are made from natural sources. Some of them are:

    Aspartame: This is an artificial sweetener that's made from two amino acids — phenylalanine and aspartic acid.

    Stevia: This is a natural sweetener that's crafted from the leaves of the stevia plant.

    Sugar alcohols: Some of the sugar alcohols that are used in sugar-free gum are xylitol, isomalt, maltitol, mannitol, and sorbitol. These sugar alcohols are derived from natural sources like berries and other fruits.

    Apart from the sweeteners mentioned above, sugar-free gum may also contain other natural and chemical ingredients that are present to offer a desirable gum texture, chewiness, and long-lasting taste.

    How to Choose the Best Sugar-free Gum?

    Here are a few aspects to consider before investing in zero-sugar gum - 

    Ingredients: As per the American Dental Association, sugar-free gums contain an ingredient list that’s regarded as high-intensity sweeteners like acesulfame-K, neotame, aspartame, sucralose, stevia, or saccharin used to sweeten gum. They are also sweetened with sugar alcohols namely erythritol, maltitol, isomalt, mannitol, and sorbitol. So, make sure your chewing gum contains xylitol as the key ingredient. Most microorganisms present in the oral environment fail to ferment xylitol (3). 

    Flavor: Flavors are regarded as salivary stimulants. The flow rate of salivary stimulation tends to be greater while chewing flavored or sweetened chewing gum as opposed to unflavored or unsweetened chewing gum (1). So, make sure you pick the healthiest sugar-free gum that doesn’t contain any artificial or synthetic flavors in higher amounts. The inclusiveness of such flavors helps in reducing the pH levels of plaque.

    The Benefits of Chewing Sugar-free Gum

    Swapping out your high-sugar gum for a sugar-free gum could have a few surprising benefits. A few of them are listed below:

    1. May Prevent Tooth Decay And Cavities

    Chewing sugar-free gum after your meals for at least 20 minutes is known to reduce the chances of tooth decay over time (3). The reason behind this is that it makes your mouth produce more saliva than usual. Saliva aids in getting rid of microscopic food debris that stays in your mouth after eating while also washing away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque.

    2. Strengthens Tooth Enamel

    The increased amount of saliva production by the process of gum chewing also helps in strengthening tooth enamel, the reason being that saliva contains calcium and phosphate (4).

    3. Reduces Plaque

    A study delivered results where it was noticed that chewing either sugar-free gum or gum with sugar reduces both the amount of existing plaque and the chances for new plaque formation (5).

    4. Maks Bad Odors

    Chewing sugar-free gum helps in keeping the mouth fresh while getting rid of bad odors or preventing them too. 

    5. Safe Alternative for Diabetics

    Since sugar-free gum doesn't contain any added or harmful sugars, it is considered a safer option for individuals who suffer from and need to control their blood sugar levels.

    The Side Effects of Sugar-free Gum

    Though sugar-free gum is generally considered safe and a healthier alternative to gum that contains sugar, it can also have certain side effects. Let’s take a look at some of them:

    1. It May Have a Laxative Effect

    The majority of sugar-free gums contain artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, xylitol, or mannitol, which may act as laxatives in some people (6). When consumed in large amounts, the sugar alcohols that are present may lead to diarrhea.

    2. Bloating And Flatulence

    Sugar-free gum contains sugar alcohols that can ferment the colon – excessive chewing can lead to gas, bloating, and discomfort, especially in people who are allergic to these substances (7).

    3. Headaches

    Aspartame is widely used in sugar-free gum, and some individuals may be sensitive to this ingredient – it has been reported to trigger headaches (8).

    Most individuals can chew sugar-free gum without encountering any major side effects. However, if you have any health conditions or sensitivities, it's best that you consult with a medical professional to find out what sugar-free works best for you.

    Conclusion

    The development of oral diseases like dental caries and periodontitis is linked to the presence of microorganisms in plaque. It is therefore recommended to chew the best sugar-free gums that facilitate natural oral cavity clearance and act as a plaque-preventing measure in addition to flossing and brushing your teeth (3). From the mentos Sugar-free Chewing Gum that delivers an instant burst of freshness to WRIGLEY’S eclipse Spearmint gum that has a long-lasting flavor, this list has something for everyone! So, without any second thoughts, pick any of the above-listed gums and freshen your breath within seconds. The plus point — they are a fantastic dental aid that will help you enhance your oral health with no effort.

    FAQ's

    What gum do dentists recommend?
    According to the American Dental Association, dentists recommend sugarless chewing gum for increasing salivary flow.
    Is there a healthy gum to chew?
    Sugar-free gums infused with xylitol are considered to be a healthy type of gum to chew for promoting oral health.
    What kind of gum can I chew if I have GERD?
    You should chew sugar-free gums for at least half an hour post your meals to reduce acidic postprandial esophageal reflux.
    Do sugar-free gums help get rid of acid reflux?
    Yes. Chewing a gum without sugar for a minimum of half an hour post lunch or dinner may help to get rid of acid reflux.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Shebna, our in-house health expert, claims that sugar-free gum can be a beneficial addition to your oral health routine – they are formulated without any sugar, preventing the risk of tooth decay, while also stimulating the production of saliva. This helps in neutralizing acids and maintaining a healthier environment in your mouth. After trying out all the recommended products, she found one that she kept going back to. Trident’s Original Flavor Sugar Free Gum came in a pack of 12 with 14 sticks in each pack. With flavors derived from peppermint and cinnamon, the gum left her mouth feeling minty and fresh. It is also known to battle plaque, prevent cavities, and comes in a travel-friendly packaging.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Chewing Gum

    https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum 

    2. SUGAR-FREE CHEWING GUM AND DENTAL CARIES – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW 

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4327235/ 

    3. THE EFFECT OF CHEWING SUGAR-FREE GUM AFTER MEALS ON CLINICAL CARIES INCIDENCE

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002817715601222

    4. Effect of calcium ions on the adsorption and lubrication behavior of salivary proteins on human tooth enamel surface

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751616119302577

    5. Effects of sugared and sugar-free chewing gum on the accumulation of plaque and debris on the teeth

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6964679/

    6. Non-nutritive sweeteners: Review and update

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900713002190

    7. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SUGAR ALCOHOLS: CHEMISTRY, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH CONCERNS OF SORBITOL, XYLITOL, GLYCEROL, ARABITOL, INOSITOL, MALTITOL, AND LACTITOL

    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chinaza-Awuchi/publication/336923362_Current_Developments_in_Sugar_Alcohols_Chemistry_Nutrition_and_Health_Concerns_of_Sorbitol_Xylitol_Glycerol_Arabitol_Inositol_Maltitol_and_Lactitol/links/5e57f277299bf1bdb8408a55/Current-Developments-in-Sugar-Alcohols-Chemistry-Nutrition-and-Health-Concerns-of-Sorbitol-Xylitol-Glycerol-Arabitol-Inositol-Maltitol-and-Lactitol.pdf

    8. Aspartame as a Dietary Trigger of Headache

    https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1989.hed2902090.x

    9. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Role of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum on Plaque Quantity in the Oral Cavity

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9006880/

     

     

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Shebna V
    Health & Fitness Coach

    Shebna is a content creator with an experience of over 6 years and likes to delve into all things health and fit More