Convenient Herbal Breath Freshness.

July 2, 2007 1:14 PM

I desire some sort of breath-freshening device (i.e. gum or mints) that is all natural and does not contain any sweeteners.

I realize this may, at first glance, seem sort of disgusting, but I realized today after eating lunch that I'm completely sick of sticking sugary crap in my face after I've finished a good meal. I'd prefer that the freshness delivery method be at least somewhat orthodox - perhaps some kind of herbal gum that doesn't contain any sweeteners? I have no inclination to carry a pouch of leaves anywhere on my person to facilitate this appetence.

posted by Baby_Balrog to food & drink (13 comments total)

I've been to Indian places that have large bowls of this stuff near the door. It's quite tasty, and works pretty well. I don't find it too sweet at all.

And now I'm craving it. Blast!
posted by jquinby at 1:16 PM on July 2, 2007

Peelu makes some nice after meal dental gums.
Simply Australian makes excellent toothpicks impregnated with tea tree oils (with flavored varieties).

Both available at Whole Foods/Trader Joe's and other crunchy-type places (or online).
posted by Burhanistan at 1:20 PM on July 2, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

Chew some parsley, it is an excellent natural breath freshener.
posted by tastybrains at 1:29 PM on July 2, 2007 [2 favorites has favorites]

When I was a kid, we had a box of small pine sap chunks (much like this) that we chewed like gum.
posted by belladonna at 1:36 PM on July 2, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

I have a little bottle of peppermint oil that I keep in my purse. A few drops on your tongue (or in a tiny bit of water) is very refreshing.
posted by mostlymartha at 1:40 PM on July 2, 2007

I have a little bottle of peppermint oil that I keep in my purse. A few drops on your tongue (or in a tiny bit of water) is very refreshing.

Burt's Bees used to make a nice version of that, but they discontinued it. You probably can still find a bottle or two in a store that has a Burt's Bees display.
posted by Burhanistan at 1:48 PM on July 2, 2007

Seconding the tea tree oil toothpicks. They're intensely minty, last for ~30 minutes, and cost less than a nickel a pop.
posted by cog_nate at 1:48 PM on July 2, 2007

Anise seeds. (Main ingredient in jquinby's Pan Masala.)
posted by bricoleur at 2:15 PM on July 2, 2007

Oops, I meant fennel seeds.
posted by bricoleur at 2:15 PM on July 2, 2007

Italian Pure crystal Licorice

I like licorice and it is awful strong. If you don't like licorice stay away.
posted by Megafly at 2:35 PM on July 2, 2007

Fresh parsley.
posted by konolia at 4:11 PM on July 2, 2007

I like Peelu, and I enjoy knawing on the fennel seeds at the local Indian restaurant after a meal.
posted by altcountryman at 7:44 PM on July 2, 2007

listerine strips (not that natural, but at least not sugary & very portable)
posted by hazel at 11:36 PM on July 2, 2007