Healthy Mints

Healthy Mints: Natural and Refreshing Options

Breath mints can be convenient when your breath just isn’t as fresh as you’d like it to be, either because of your food choices (hello, onions and garlic!) or when you simply don’t have ready access to a toothbrush and floss. Bad breath, of course, can also be caused by digestive issues, toxin overload, and gum disease, but whatever the cause, breath-freshening mints are always lovely to have on hand. Unfortunately, most conventional breath mints contain a lot of less-than-stellar ingredients that can worsen gum and dental issues and compromise one's overall health and wellness. Let's explore some common ingredients found in breath mints.

Conventional vs Healthy Mints: Ingredients to Avoid

Pick up any packet of breath mints in a supermarket, pharmacy, or convenience store, and you'll likely be surprised by the long list of questionable ingredients. Sugar (most commonly present as “high fructose corn syrup”) or artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin typically top the list. This is problematic because high fructose corn syrup has been shown to drive inflammation and can significantly increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Sugar substitutes, on the other hand, are hard for the body to break down and can cause serious gastrointestinal problems and even weight gain. More troubling still, aspartame is associated with behavioural and cognitive issues, including learning difficulties, headaches, seizures, migraines, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. 

Other ingredients commonly found in conventional breath mints include:

• Artificial colours and flavours
• Beeswax
• Cottonseed oil
• Coconut oil
• Rice starch

Top Healthy Mint Brands for Natural Freshness

Fortunately, healthy mint options abound, making it easy to enjoy a tasty, refreshing mint whenever you need it without compromising your health or that of your oral cavity. Some brands that make high-quality natural breath freshening mints include: 

• PUR
• Spry
• Mintier
• Vermints

A popular oil-based natural breath mint is offered in drop form called Mintier. It's made of simple, natural ingredients like MCT oil and therapeutic herbs like spearmint, peppermint, lemon, cinnamon, and clove, and it is free from added fillers, sweeteners, or preservatives. The ingredients all work synergistically to freshen breath and have been shown to provide minty fresh breath for up to a full hour! So, one more natural and healthy option to freshen your breath effectively!

Natural Strategies for Combating Bad Breath

Maintaining good oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for annual checkups and cleanings. To help reduce bad breath, brush your teeth after every meal and use a tongue scraper to remove extra particles — including the ones that cause bad breath — from the tongue's surface. Flossing is also essential to control bad breath. Liquid chlorophyll can also help freshen breath and keep bacteria and odour away. In addition, you may want to consider digestive enzymes, probiotics, and a detoxification program if your breath issues stem from a GI condition. Speak to a qualified natural health care practitioner for advice on the appropriate detox plan and supplements for you. 

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