The party season is upon us and while it’s a time for fun, food, drink, and laughter, it’s also prime time to think about your breath. Whether you’re mingling at work events, festive dinners, or late-night celebrations, keeping your breath fresh helps you feel confident and present. Here are some expert-backed habits, with a little help from some standout oral-care products, to help you maintain minty confidence all season long.

1. Kick Off with Smart Brushing

I have never been SO impressed with a LED product as I have with the Bon Charge Red Light Toothbrush. This isn’t your average electric brush, it combines sonic vibrations with therapeutic red (660 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) light to support gum health, boost circulation, and help calm inflammation – which it absolutely did. Having suffered from bleeding gums when I floss for years – this toothbrush cleared it up within a few days. It was genuinely remarkable. Pro tip: Brush twice a day for two minutes, using gentle, even strokes. Don’t forget to clean your tongue, too as that’s where a surprising amount of odor-causing bacteria hide.

2. Keep Mouthwash Close for a Mid-Party Refresh

Try Spotlight’s Fresh Breath Whitening Mouthwash, which uses their Evercool 180 technology to deliver a lasting fresh effect while gently whitening teeth. It’s alcohol-free, sugar-free, vegan-friendly, and contains sodium fluoride to help protect your enamel. Use around 10 ml, swish for one minute, and spit, ideal for use after meals or between brushing. 

3. Chew Smart When You’re Socialising

The Peppersmith English Peppermint Gum is a great pick when it comes to gum. Made with xylitol, it helps neutralise acids and reduce bacteria in the mouth. Plus, chewing stimulates saliva, which naturally flushes out food debris and odour-causing compounds. Keep a pack in your bag so you can pop a piece between courses or after a particularly aromatic dish, without resorting to sugary mints. These are the perfect antidote to champagne breath (we’ve all been on the wrong end of that one!).

4. Cultivate a Healthy Oral Microbiome with Probiotics

Bad breath isn’t just about what you eat, it’s also about the balance of bacteria in your mouth. Certain harmful bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are largely responsible for that unpleasant “morning breath” or post-meal funk. That’s where SuperTeeth Dental Probiotics come in. These mint-flavoured tablets contain strains like Streptococcus salivarius M18 that help rebalance your oral microbiome, reduce VSC-producing bacteria, and support long-term breath freshness. Just take one after brushing and let it dissolve. Over time, you should notice fresher morning breath and healthier gums. 

5. Floss Like Your Confidence Depends On It (Because It Does)

In the words of Julia Roberts in Pretty Women “you shouldn’t neglect your gums”. Flossing isn’t glamorous (although Roberts goes a long way to making it that much cooler), but it’s vital. Without it, bits of food and plaque trapped between teeth provide a feast for bacteria, leading to odour. Use the Gutology Charcoal Dental Floss – its activated charcoal helps absorb and remove unwanted compounds, while the waxed finish makes it easy to slide between teeth. Keeping that space clean drastically reduces bacteria build-up and helps control breath.

6. Stay Hydrated & Make Smart Food Choices

• Sip water regularly: Staying hydrated keeps your mouth moist, helping saliva naturally cleanse. Dry mouth is a major trigger for bad breath.
  
• Snack smart: Opt for crunchy, fresh foods like celery or apples. These not only boost saliva but help scrape away leftover food.
  
• Limit strong-smelling or sugary foods: Things like garlic, onions, and too much sugar can exacerbate bad breath.
  

7. Be Proactive — Not Reactive

• Schedule a dental check-up: Persistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease or other oral health issues. Regular cleanings help keep plaque and tartar in check.
  
• Replace your toothbrush head: If you’re using an electric brush (like the Bon Charge one), swap the head every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles wear.
  
• Mind your lifestyle: Alcohol, coffee, and smoking all dry the mouth and encourage odour-causing bacteria.