If you're one of those people who always has to have something in your mouth, you're probably a consumer of gum or mints. Or maybe you just like to have fresh breath. Either way, have you ever wondered about the advantages of chewing gum and breath mints? 

The Pros and Cons of Gum

Many chewing gum products actually have ingredients that kill bacteria so they don't just mask bad breath, but actually improve it. Gum can also clean the teeth to some extent by pulling out food particles that are stuck. Some also help whiten teeth.

It can be considered rude or inconsiderate to be chewing gum in some circumstances. Many gums lose their flavor quickly too, leaving you looking for something else. 

To Mint or Not to Mint

Like gum, mints certainly do a great job of freshening your breath. Their flavor tends to last longer than gum. It's also usually more socially acceptable to suck on a mint.

As intended, mints dissolve, so you may go through them faster than gum, making it a more expensive habit. Flavors are limited, so if you prefer fruit flavors, you may not find what you're looking for.

For most people, the choice of gum or mints is just a matter of preference. If you're considering the health of your teeth, gum may be better because some varieties do actually clean and whiten the teeth to some extent (make sure you choose a sugar-free variety).

If you consume gum or mints as a result of bad breath, it may be time to speak to a dentist. Chronic bad breath can be a result of a medical issue that can be easily resolved without the need to constantly use gum or mints.