Okay, I have a bone to pick with the makers of Smint mints. The unique packaging of these mints has, at very key moments, prevented me from accessing that much needed freshness. Because you can’t see the inside of the container without destroying it (which I’ve never had the urge to do), one can only assume that each individual mint must pass through some complex maze to escape the container and be released into the hand of some willing consumer. A special Tic Tac–sized box asks that the owner press down on the container’s top to release a mint from the bottom corner. The design is clever indeed, but not always effective. If the mints get lodged just above the magic trap, you’ll find yourself hurriedly shaking the entire box of mints in public while strangers give you looks of shame for buying such a loud, dysfunctional container of breath mints.

Smint mints are fine, in and of themselves. And the natural whitening power of White Fresh Mint by Smint is very appealing. They are said to have Papaine, a natural enzyme that works to whiten the teeth. Whether it is effective or not in mint form, who doesn’t want whiter teeth? The prospect of such is well worth looking past the box’s faults. Flip the package to the back side, and you’ll see something else to make you smile. A red symbol featuring a smiling tooth under an umbrella reads “Tooth Friendly Tested.??? This means that the product has been independently tested and was proven safe for use on your pearly whites. It’s true what your great grandma always said through her slipping dentures: “You only get one pair.??? Do something nice for your teeth—even if it’s eating candy that whitens them—and you’ll feel as happy as that little smiling red tooth looks. Another fun bonus regarding these mints is their triangular shape. Each one is imprinted with a giant “S??? that makes the mints resemble Superman’s chest. Don’t let that fool you into thinking that this mint will blow you away with its power. It is actually on the milder side of the spectrum, so you’ll enjoy these if you frequent Tic Tacs.