As Valentine’s Day approaches, you may be making dinner reservations, chocolate covered desserts, and plans for sharing a romantic night with your loved one. But you may also want to make your mouth healthy before the 14th. Kissing has many benefits—it even helps reduce cavities. But if you share kisses with someone who has an unhealthy mouth, you may be sharing more than you bargained for. Take these five steps to get your mouth ready for Valentine’s Day.
Brush Twice a Day
If this is already a habit of yours, keep it up! Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day will help eliminate bacteria that causes cavities. When you kiss or even share a fork with another person, you easily spread that cavity-causing bacteria to another person.
Prevent Bad Breath
Bad breath is a sure-fire way to bring a romantic moment to a halt. Brushing your teeth on a regular basis will help keep your breath in check. Also, consider using a mouthwash to freshen your breath and wash away debris and bacteria in hard to reach places. You may want to grab a pack of sugarless chewing gum to eliminate bad breath after a meal. Just be sure to look for the ADA seal of approval on your gum and mouthwash.
Use Your Own Toothbrush
Sharing isn’t always caring. When you share a toothbrush, you share bacteria and other germs that can cause sickness as well as cavities. In every situation, it’s best just to use your own. If you plan to stay overnight with someone outside your home, make sure you pack your own toothbrush.
Stop Smoking
If you can kick your smoking habit, you will be giving yourself and your loved ones a great gift! Smoking stains your teeth, causes bad breath, leads to gum disease and puts you at risk for oral cancer. When you smoke, there are terrible repercussions for your overall health. And while you may not notice it anymore, your friends and family can smell the smoke on your hair and clothes. Talk to your doctor about effective ways to quit smoking.
Make Your Smile Brighter
If you’re self-conscious about your smile, you may need a simple whitening procedure. There are many good options for over-the-counter whitening kits, but you may have more success with an in-office procedure. Talk to your dentist today and find out which option is best for you. People who whiten their teeth find that the brighter smile gives them the attractive quality of self-confidence.
The best way to make sure your oral hygiene is in good standing is a regular office visit. To schedule a cleaning, contact us at Atkins and Anderson, DDS today. Call us at (979) 846-1813 and visit our website to learn more about Opalescence, our unique tooth whitening procedure.
Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-under-40/healthy-habits/valentines-day
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