When was the last time you read the ingredients list on a pack of gum or mints? It's likely been awhile. These days pretty much all commercial brands are filled with artificial sweeteners and a hodgepodge of weird ingredients. I used to chew gum all the time, but after ditching fake sugars (like sorbitol and aspartame) several years back, there weren't many options left!
At first I was pretty sad about giving up gum, but quickly realized I was better off. Aside from all the crappy questionable ingredients in gum (and mints), there are plenty of good reasons to kick your bubble gum habit to the curb.
Legit Reasons Not to Chew Bubble Gum
- First, it's an expensive habit. I used to go through tons of packs because I was constantly misplacing them, bumming out sticks, and switching to a new piece every hour or so. The flavor doesn't last long!
- Second, it's impolite to chew gum in many situations. Take for example a quiet room filled with other people. Think libraries, waiting rooms, meeting rooms, classes, movie theaters, etc. Your chomping will ring out loud and clear, and even more so if you're blowing and popping bubbles.
- Third, it's a major turn-off to many people. Most are just too polite to say anything, but they're quietly judging you. (I know this from personal experience.) Imagine you're having a one-on-one conversation with someone. If you're smacking away (and even worse blowing bubbles) while they're trying to talk, more times than not you'll annoy the heck out of them, distract them from their train of thought, and maybe even make them feel disrespected (because you're not fully invested in the conversation).
What's the Best Alternative For Freshening Your Breath?
Aside from carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste with you wherever you go (let's be real...most people will never do this), DIY flavored toothpicks and breath spray are the next best options for bad breath or times when you just need to freshen your mouth. Hello, coffee, onion, and garlic breath!
You might be thinking...okay, so I should just grab a bottle of Binaca, right?
I totally understand the allure. My dad used this brand all the time when I was growing up. He always had a bottle in his pocket and in the glove box of his car. Whenever I see it on display in stores, I smile and think of him.
But that's where it ends.
Why I Don't Use Binaca & Other Commercial Breath Sprays
Binaca (and most other breath spray brands) contain artificial food dyes and vague ingredients like "flavor". You'd think a cinnamon spray would have cinnamon listed. Or a peppermint spray would say peppermint on the back label in some shape or form.
Nope. No mention of either. Just "flavor" on the ingredients list. Which could mean anything! I don't know about you, but I find it disturbing when companies try to sell a flavored product (assumed to be derived from a whole food source) and there's none of that ingredient in it.
What I Use Instead: Easy DIY Breath Spray
Homemade breath spray is sooooooo easy to make that I wish I'd learned how to do it years ago! Unfortunately, I didn't start using essential oils on a regular basis until about two years ago, so I had no idea that you could use oils to make an array of non-toxic DIY products at home. Things like lip balm, lip scrub, moisturizing foaming hand soap, beard balm, and more! Better late than never, right?
I came up with the idea for a DIY breath spray in 2014 after making several batches of Thieves spray for friends & family. I realized how simple it would be to use the same basic recipe (purified water, essential oil & sea salt) with peppermint essential oil instead. And bam - suddenly I had a homemade breath freshener with no funny ingredients.
The best part was making up a batch for my dad to use instead of his beloved Bianca. I couldn't wait for him to try it. And just as I expected, he was super impressed! :)
Do Homemade Breath Sprays Taste the Same As Commercial Breath Sprays, Gums & Mints?
Yes and No. If you make a peppermint, spearmint, or lime breath spray, you will taste those recognizable flavors as you would in chewing gum, mints or commercial breath sprays.
However, homemade breath sprays made with essentials are generally much stronger than the commercial ones (because you're using a concentrated oil for the flavor source). A little goes a long way.
They're also NOT sweet because there are no artificial or real sugars added. If you're used to gums or mints with crazy (sweet) flavors like sherbert, rootbeer, or passionberry (just to name a few) then it'll probably take some adjusting to switch to a natural (non-sweet) breath spray instead. It's totally worth it, though!
Important Note on Which Essential Oils to Use
- First of all, make sure you're using 100% pure essential oils, NOT fragrance oils.
- Make sure to choose an essential oil that has been certified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) or as food additives, by the F.D.A.
- Avoid using any oil that says "for aromatherapy use only" on the bottle. These oils are NOT truly pure and/or safe to use in this way. Always, always, always read your labels first!
DIY Breath Spray (Size: 4 mL)
Ditch the artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors in commercial breath sprays, gums & mints by learning how to make your own pocket-sized natural breath spray at home with three simple ingredients.
What You'll Need:
- 1 glass spray bottle (4 mL - small one pictured above)
- 1-3 drops of 100% pure essential oils (I only use THESE essential oils)
- Pinch of sea salt (I used THIS)
- Purified water (reverse osmosis, distilled, deionized, etc.)
Note: I typically only add one essential oil (like peppermint) per batch when using 4 mL bottles since they're so tiny.
DIY Breath Spray (Size: 1 ounce)
Ditch the artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors in commercial breath sprays, gums & mints by learning how to make your own natural breath spray (perfect for toting around in a purse or pocket) with three simple ingredients.
What You'll Need:
- 1 glass spray bottle (1 ounce - larger one pictured above)
- 7-21 drops of 100% pure essentials oils (I only use THESE essential oils)
- 2 pinches of sea salt (I used THIS)
- Purified water (reverse osmosis, distilled, deionized, etc.)
Note: If you make up a blend and it's not quite strong enough, you can always add additional essential oils a few drops at a time. Start with a smaller amount then work your way up as necessary. If you accidently add too many drops and feel it's too strong, transfer it to a larger container and add more water. :)
Essential Oils Suggestions:
- Citrus-Mint (4 drops Citrus Fresh + 4 drops Spearmint) - pictured above
- Mojito (6 drops Lime + 4 drops Peppermint) - pictured above
- Peppermint (my favorite, hands down!)
- Spearmint
- Thieves
- Citrus Fresh
- Orange
- Tangerine
- Lime
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
Where to Find Small Glass Spray Bottles:
- 4 mL - I bought mine HERE (the costs are low on this site, but the shipping is higher, so you may want to stock up or split an order with a neighbor!)
- 5 mL - You can find them HERE
- 10 mL - You can find them HERE
- 1 ounce - You can find them HERE or check your local health food store for different sizes!
Directions (For Both Sizes)
Add the essential oil(s) to the glass spray bottle, followed by the sea salt (it helps to disperse the oils in the water), then pour in enough purifed water so the bottle is around 3/4 full. You want to leave enough room so you can shake the bottle each time before use (to help mix the oils in with the water so it's not just floating on top).
I'd like to hear from YOU!
What's your favorite way to freshen your breath naturally? Does it bother you when people consume strong foods or drinks (like onions & garlic) and then breathe on you? :)
Join My Natural Living & Essential Oil Facebook Group
Want to learn more about essential oils and chat about them in a private community? Request to join The Rising Spoon Essential Oils Facebook Group. (Make sure your settings allow for messages, as I will send you one before accepting you!)
Buy Essential Oils at Wholesale Prices (24% Off)
As I mentioned above, it' super important to use pure (not adulterated) essential oils that are high quality if you want the therapeutic benefits. Here at The Rising Spoon, I (Elaina) only use Young Living essential oils, because I can trace the process from seed to seal and visit the company's farms myself. Transparency & purity are two of the most important things to me! Because of this (and the fact that I and my family love Young Living oils so much), I am a distributor for their essential oils.
If you're ready to start your journey with Young Living and would like me as your personal sponsor for support and guidance in your health goals, I offer a great deal on the premium starter kit that includes a free thank you gift (with educational resources to help you). This deal changes monthly, so don't wait long!
Don't miss a post! Want my real food recipes, kitchen tutorials, DIY crafts, and healthy living articles (like this) delivered straight to your inbox? Click here to sign up for free email updates!Buy Essential Oils at Wholesale Prices (24% Off)
As I mentioned above, it' super important to use pure (not adulterated) essential oils that are high quality if you want the therapeutic benefits. Here at The Rising Spoon, I (Elaina) only use Young Living essential oils, because I can trace the process from seed to seal and visit the company's farms myself. Transparency & purity are two of the most important things to me! Because of this (and the fact that I and my family love Young Living oils so much), I am a distributor for their essential oils.
If you're ready to start your journey with Young Living and would like me as your personal sponsor for support and guidance in your health goals, I offer a great deal on the premium starter kit that includes a free thank you gift (with educational resources to help you). This deal changes monthly, so don't wait long!
P.S. Keep Reading! More Posts From The Rising Spoon:
MEDICAL DISCLOSURE: The information included on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions expressed here are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own situation or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.
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