Wondering about eating sugar free mints with Invisalign in your face?!
As an Invisalign wearer, you’ll know that you’ll need to take them out at mealtimes. But what about eating something as simple as sugar free mints?
If you’re anything like me, you understand the struggle of wanting to keep your breath fresh while on this teeth-straightening journey.
It’s no secret that traditional chewing gum and sugary snacks are off the menu when you’ve got your aligners in.
Pre-Invisalign, I often snacked on sugar free mints to freshen my breath and prevent dry mouth throughout the day.
Hi, my name is Sarah and I completed my Invisalign journey in 75 weeks!
This blog documents my own personal experience with wearing Invisalign aligners - all the ups and the downs.
This blog does not constitute medical advice, so speak to a dental professional about any specific concerns.
Is it OK to eat sugar free mints while wearing Invisalign?
Whether it’s OK or not, I often eat sugar free mints with my Invisalign in!
First things first, maintaining oral hygiene is paramount when you’re wearing Invisalign.
The last thing any of us wants is to trap harmful sugars or acids against our teeth, right?
That’s why you need to make sure that your mints are actually sugar free, containing a natural, tooth-friendly sweetener such as Xylitol.
Unlike most mints you’ll find in the grocery stores or supermarkets, sugar-free mints are less likely to contribute to tooth decay, making them a safer bet for a quick breath freshen-up.
However, there’s a catch (isn’t there always?).
While sugar-free mints are less harmful in terms of sugar content, it’s crucial to remember that having anything in your mouth, apart from water, with your aligners in can still pose risks.
The mint can potentially leave a residue on your aligners or teeth, which could lead to plaque build-up or even staining over time.
Best Sugar Free mints for Invisalign wearers
My absolute favorite are Peppersmith Sugar Free Mints. I’ve been eating these regularly throughout my Invisalign journey and have not encountered any issues at all!
There are even “move mints” specifically made for us Invisalign wearers!
What to look for when buying Invisalign-friendly mints
The secret lies in choosing mints that are sweetened with dental-friendly ingredients.
So, what exactly are these tooth-friendly sweeteners that allow you to indulge without the guilt?
1. Xylitol
First on this list is a sweetener that’s not only safe for your teeth but actually beneficial.
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables and has a similar sweetness to sugar.
The magic of xylitol lies in its ability to reduce levels of decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. It doesn’t break down like sugar and can help maintain a neutral pH level in the mouth.
Xylitol also inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans1, the primary bacteria responsible for cavities.
Chewing on a xylitol-sweetened mint can actually be a good move for your dental health!
2. Erythritol
Erythritol is another sugar alcohol that’s gaining popularity as a dental-friendly sweetener.
It’s about 70% as sweet as sugar but nearly non-caloric, doesn’t affect blood sugar levels, and has a zero glycemic index.
Studies have shown that erythritol can reduce dental plaque2 and even fight against cavity-causing bacteria, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep their mouth healthy and fresh.
3. Stevia
Derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, stevia is a natural sweetener that has zero calories and does not increase blood sugar levels.
It’s a great option for those seeking a natural way to sweeten their mints without compromising their dental health.
Stevia has been found to be non-cariogenic3, meaning it does not cause cavities, making it a safe choice for sweetening mints for Invisalign wearers.
4. Sorbitol (Caution!)
Sorbitol is another sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free products. While it is less likely to cause tooth decay than regular sugar, it’s not as beneficial as xylitol or erythritol4.
Sorbitol can be slowly metabolized by mouth bacteria, potentially leading to acid production.
Therefore, while sorbitol-sweetened mints are a better choice than those with sugar, they might not be as protective against cavities as xylitol or erythritol options.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing mints with dental-friendly sweeteners like xylitol, erythritol, or stevia can help you maintain fresh breath and a healthy mouth, even while you’re on your Invisalign journey.
Always look at the ingredients list to make sure you’re picking the best option for your dental health.
And remember, while these sweeteners are tooth-friendly, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is still essential.
So brush your teeth as soon as possible afterwards!
Knowing you’re choosing ingredients that love your teeth just as much as you do makes it all the sweeter.
Keep smiling, stay fresh, and let’s cherish the journey to a healthier, happier mouth.
