A Breath Of Fresh Air

PRODUCTS Hip breath fresheners and dental supplies

HOW THEY STARTED Spicy-food eaters looking for relief

JUDGMENT Is anyone really against fresh breath?

Bad breath used to be furtively treated with a smuggled Certs. But oral-care products have become chic: the hottest is Cool Mint Listerine PocketPaks, stamp-size and gel-coated pieces of paper that dissolve on the tongue and deliver a burst of mouthwash. Released last year, the strips are a hit with teens and young singles who openly pop the tabs in trendy night spots. At the Oscars, Hugh Grant was captured on camera placing one into Sandra Bullock's mouth. Handbag...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!