Practicing excellent oral hygiene isn’t only the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease; it’s also a courtesy to your loved ones! Valentine’s Day is a time when romance is in the air, so you’ll want to know that your breath is fresh as possible well before you go in for the smooch. Here’s why proper dental care is so crucial to the health of you and your partner as well as a few tips for keeping your breath as fresh as the spring wind.
Can Kissing Spread Germs?
On one level, kissing is good for your dental health because it stimulates saliva flow that helps to fight tooth decay. Unfortunately, kissing can spread germs from person to person. If people aren’t careful, they can spread the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease, cavities, or other infections to their partners. Good oral hygiene can make the difference between exchanging chocolates and sharing tooth decay.
How Does Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Bad Breath?
The teeth chew through a lot of material as time goes by, and sometimes food particles get stuck between the teeth or beneath the gumline. If these particles are not dislodged, the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease will feed on them and multiply rapidly, creating plaque. The accumulation of decaying food particles and harmful bacteria will eventually leave an unpleasant odor on a person’s breath.
How Can I Keep My Breath in Kissing Shape for Valentine’s Day?
The good news is that there are a few two-minute habits you can adopt to clear food debris away from your teeth and eliminate plaque and harmful bacteria. An excellent daily oral hygiene routine includes:
- Brushing: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently brush each tooth with short, circular strokes. Do the same with your gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Each brushing session should last for two minutes and happen at least thirty minutes after the last time you ate. Brush at least twice a day.
- Flossing: Flossing is just as crucial to your oral health as brushing because it can eliminate plaque and food debris from between the teeth and stimulate the gums so they can stay healthy.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Dentists recommend using antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate more than 99% of the harmful germs in your mouth. Look for the ADA’s seal of approval on the label and follow any instructions printed there.
Fresh breath is a great start to your Valentine’s Day excursions. While it’s also important to see your dentist twice a year, following these hygiene tips can keep your breath in kissing shape.
About the Practice
My Ellicott City Dentist delivers exceptional dental health care to the families of Ellicott City, MD. Led by Drs. Andrew Aziz and Mehreen Haque, the staff treats each patient with personal concern and professional courtesy. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on keeping your breath fresh on Valentine’s Day, contact his office online or dial (410) 480-2000.