By Christiénne Miller

Crab dip, garlic crackers, ranch chips, cheese balls — the holidays abound with party cuisine to make your mouth less than merry and bright.

I was reminded of this when, over the weekend, I accompanied a friend to her company’s holiday gathering. The cheer was flowing, as was the conversation, causing me to catch wind of more than I bargained for in gusts of bad breath.

Let’s just say I avoided the mistletoe and checked my own breath often (slipping into the bathroom to give the back of your hand a discrete lick and sniff is a good test). I learned long ago that good hygiene is imperative to every situation.

So, as a rule, I carry pure peppermint oil in my purse and refresh with a few drops whenever needed (it aids digestion too). I’m also a fan of floss sticks, since food trapped between your teeth and gums creates an odoriferous opportunity just waiting to happen.

A friend also sent me these quick tips that include suggestions of keeping hydrated and gargling with hydrogen peroxide — both of which I hadn’t heard before. If all else fails, grab the nearest mint (or mint leaf), candy cane, or herbal tea (mint, ginger, cinnamon) until you can find a more permanent solution that works for you.

Cheers to sweet smelling holidays!

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