Mints are not a substitution for brushing your teeth. That said, they can also have poor effects on your teeth depending on what they are made of and how you eat them. No one wants to have bad breath, especially on a date or at an important lunch, but that is why manufacturers have created travel-sized products that are small enough to fit into your purse or your briefcase (or your backpack). Here are some reasons why you should consider skipping that after-dinner mint.
Mints are Hard
Most mints are hard. This means that they need to be crushed by our teeth in order to take effect. The unfortunate thing about this is that if a mint is bitten down on in the wrong way, they could crack a tooth. This is the same thing that happens in which people bite down on hard candies and where the candy famously known as jawbreakers got their name. Unfortunately, it is such a common occurrence that many people fail to realize it has happened outside of a quick moment of discomfort. But the reality is that having cracked teeth open up your mouth to bacteria and sickness.
Mints Suck
Or rather, we suck them. Those hard mints that were just mentioned also have a habit of being sucked on. Further, there are some mints that are designed specifically to be sucked on instead of chewed up. However, this doesn't stop the damage from happening inside of your mouth during the process. Many people feel uncomfortable with a mint on the center of their tongue, especially when they are also expected to continue talking. So naturally, the mint is moved to one side of the mouth for a period of time, then to the other. During this time, the mint is exposed to the outside of the teeth, and that prolonged exposure can result in higher concentrations of acid—which then open up your teeth to cavities and bacteria when not cleaned sufficiently. If you consider using any sort of mints, use ones which will not entice you into biting down on them, and do not keep them on one side of your mouth over the other. Call us for more information.
Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Dr. Bryan Freeman and Dr. Cheryl Freeman
Dental Blog | Dentist Asheboro, NC | Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Drs. Bryan Freeman & Cheryl Freeman are offering this educational blog as a resource to the great Asheboro, NC community. Click here to read our latest posts! Randolph Center for Dental Excellence, 134 Davis Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 • (336) 444-2772 • freemandds.com • 1/18/2025 • Related Terms: dentist Asheboro NC •
Mints are not a substitution for brushing your teeth. That said, they can also have poor effects on your teeth depending on what they are made of and how you eat them. No one wants to have bad breath, especially on a date or at an important lunch, but that is why manufacturers have created travel-sized products that are small enough to fit into your purse or your briefcase (or your backpack). Here are some reasons why you should consider skipping that after-dinner mint.