A Healthier Gum Alternative

True story:

Last week, I was in the drugstore (buying toilet paper, if you must know!), and while waiting in line to check out, the cashier started talking to a young boy and his mother about Halloween. He asked the boy what kind of candy he received, and if he got any gum. The boy, who was maybe 5, replied with, “Gum is really bad for your teeth.” Out of the mouths of babes, they say. The kid didn’t address the candy question, so I’m guessing he gives candy a pass but gum is out!

But, the thing is, the boy is onto something. Sugary gum is bad for your teeth, and sugar free is bad for your body, as the way they get it sugar free is to use artificial sweeteners.image

But, what is the halitosis-conscious individual to do? Sometimes, you just can’t brush your teeth.

For the past year or so, I’ve been using Spry gum. It’s sweetened with xylitol, which is a sugar alcohol that actually has dental health benefits.

I won’t lie. It comes in small, Chicklet-like pieces, and it lasts five minutes, maybe 10 if you’re lucky. But, it freshens your breath without tons of sugar or fake sugar, so I cope.

Though gum of any sort is not listed on the Be Well cleanse that I’m on (halfway done!), I have used a few pieces of this at work in the after lunch hours.

You can buy Spry gum at most natural grocery stores, including Whole Foods, but I like to buy it in bulk from Amazon – it’s much cheaper that way. $1.29 for a small pack at the store, or, $8.99 for 100 pieces from Amazon.

Have you ever tried Spry gum?

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