National Chewing Gum Day 2016: The Best Brands For Your Breath And Health

Aside from getting it stuck on the bottom of your shoe, sticking it under your desk or some random table and yelling at your pet to stop eating it off the ground, gum is a wonderful treat. Friday is National Chewing Gum day, a time that calls for you to purchase your favorite pack of gum and share it with your friends.

People have been chewing gum for over 5,000 years. The first piece of gum is believed to be made out of bark tar, but these days it is typically made up of wax or sap resin. Studies have shown that chewing gum can actually reduce stress, improve memory and increase alertness. It can also help curb cravings and improve overall oral hygiene and digestion.

The American Dental Association (ADA) approves chewing gum based on whether the flow of saliva is stimulated within 20 minutes of chewing. This act “helps to prevent cavities by reducing plaque acids and strengthening teeth.”

Whether you are chewing it as a tasty treat or using it as a breath freshener, here are five ADA approved gum brands you should consider trying.

1. 5 Sugarfree Gum

This gum comes in 15 piece packages that include bold flavors like Cobalt, RPM Mint, Ascent and more.

2. Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum

The 12 pieces gum pack offers a variety of flavors like Artic Chill. This specific pack of gum acts as a great breath freshener and releases an aroma so powerful that you can feel it in your nasal cavity.

3. Trident Sugarfree Gum

With flavors like strawberry, watermelon, blueberry and tropical twist, this chewing gum can be way more than a breath freshener.

4. Orbit Sugarfree Gum

Sure, the commercials are hilarious but Orbit Sugarfree Gum is no joke. The 14 piece packages help strengthen teeth and fight cavities.

5. Eclipse Sugarfree Gum

This 18 piece package can offer you “incredibly fresh breath” thanks to flavors like Winterfrost, Peppermint, Polar Ice and more.