All of the following methods are effective in controlling volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that cause breath malodor, EXCEPT?

Breath mints are primarily designed to mask bad breath temporarily rather than actively controlling or reducing the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) responsible for halitosis. While they can provide a quick and short-lived solution for freshness, they do not address the underlying cause of the malodor, which is the presence of VSC produced by bacteria in the mouth.

On the other hand, brushing the tongue, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash like Listerine, and using a tongue scraper are all effective methods for controlling VSC. These practices help remove bacteria and food particles from the mouth, disrupt the biofilm where bacteria thrive, and freshen breath by reducing the concentration of odor-causing compounds. Thus, while breath mints might offer immediate freshness, they do not contribute to a long-term reduction of breath malodor caused by VSC.