Surely theres other flavours that would taste/smell good too?
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I know there was a longstanding tradition of using birch twigs (which taste like wintergreen) to cleanse teeth. Some of the early toothpastes which used that flavoring did so to remind people of that flavor.
I think the real reason is just that they’re easy to extract and have a mild antiseptic effect when actual essential oil is used, so people associate them with ‘freshness’.
I believe it has something to do with mint flavour being easier to fake without sugar than most other flavours. Most dental products aim to reduce the amount of sugar on your teeth, not add to it
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Mint is naturally anti bacterial, original toothpastes were usually made with natural oils, mint, cinnamon etc. people used to chew mint leaves to freshen their breath, I think it stuck. I also agree with the comments about flavor without sugar additives, although most toothpastes are sweetened with xylitol now because it is an anti cavity as strep mutan bacteria can not ingest it and produce the acid that causes cavities. 🤷🏼♀️
Dental cleaning products aim to lower the acidity in your mouth. They do this by increasing the pH – by being mildly alkaline. Alkaline substances taste spicy and the mint flavour is the most pleasant flavour to mask that spiciness.
The strong and invigorating flavor of mint can create a sensation of cleanliness in the mouth after brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash.
Among what other people have said, mint gives a lingering “cold” flavor in your mouth that is easily associated with cleanliness.
In other words, it’s the “reward” part of the [habit loop](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:854/1*P-VIQhXqfQF6UJzcER8WKA.png). Once you develop the habit of brushing the teeth, you start craving that minty flavor, and that craving is partly what encourages you to brush your teeth regularly.
There’s a sugar alcohol called Xylitol (comes from birch trees) that doesn’t feed tooth decay bacteria. So it’s used a lot in dental products like toothpaste. But the thing about xylitol —( besides its being poison to dogs) if you’ve ever cooked with it you know it has a sort of “cooling” aftertaste.
What flavor goes well with that? Mint. Maybe wintergreen or cinnamon too, but consumers like mint so in most cases… mint it is
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