Chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance that’s designed to be chewed for its fresh flavour rather than swallowed. Its chewy and rubbery part does not dissolve, and it can have sugar or sweeteners to give it a sweet taste. Gum is good to have on hand and can easily be stored in a backpack, briefcase, tote bag or your pocket. At work, it can easily be stored in your office desk.

Chewing gum every day is generally okay in moderation. But doing it constantly for long periods of time can strain your jaw or upset your stomach. To avoid strain on your jaw, limit your chewing time to short intervals. Also, regularly chewing gum that contains sugar can increase your risk of cavities, so make sure you regularly brush your teeth with personal care products like a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Breath mints help mask bad breath by temporarily covering up foul odours. Strong flavours like peppermint and spearmint can overpower bad smells. Sucking on a mint also encourages your mouth to produce a small amount of saliva, which helps remove loose food particles. Real mint compounds and menthol offer a cooling sensation and mild antibacterial effects. To help with bad breath, you can also use mouthwash regularly after you brush your teeth.

Packaged chewing gum and breath mints should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature, like in a pantry or a computer desk drawer. Avoid storing them in pants pockets for long periods of time or in areas with direct sunlight, as high temperatures can break down gum and turn it into a sticky mess. Keep packages sealed to prevent the loss of flavour or softening of sugar coatings.