Unfortunately, commercial mints and chewing gum don't really have much "real" peppermint. It's all flavorings these days made out of chemicals. So just as well to give them up? I did find some gum at the health food store last week that's made out of "real" gum, rainforest chicle, called "Glee Gum" http://www.gleegum.com/glee-gum.htm maybe look into what your health food store has to offer as alternatives?

I'd try to think up some sort of "exercise" like memorizing a piece/quotes or carry around a book I'm reading that I'm enjoying to think about to distract me from the anxiety in public if you're walking around? Or go to a flea market or large "antique" mall (or regular mall) and give yourself $5-$10 to find a talisman of some kind to carry. I have a lovely, brass, house key from the 1800's on my keychain that I imagine opens my secret room/safe place. I've found smooth stones at places where I've been on vacation or even just from my yard that I carry with me in a pocket and "feel", pieces of smooth colored glass? I have a 2" tall, articulated teddy bear in a jester's suit who is my "protector" :-) His name's "Queen's Knight" and I feel very good knowing he's with me.

I keep a bottle of water in my car glove compartment at all times; to rinse my hands if they get messy or sticky from eating something or to drink when I get thirsty at odd times or when I've eaten or drunk something that uses my body's water more than usual rather than adding to it.