It’s February, and love is in the air. It’s the perfect time of year to show that special someone how much you care. However, you don’t just have to show your significant other how much you love them. Now is also the perfect time to show your teeth a little love, too. Here are a few tips from a dentist on how you can keep your teeth healthy and shining this time of year.
Fight Bad Breath
Nothing is more humiliating than leaning in for a kiss only for the other person to cringe when they get a whiff of your breath. While it’s not always possible to bring your toothbrush with you for a quick teeth cleaning on a date, it is possible to bring some dental floss with you. Flossing helps remove pesky food particles and bacteria that get trapped between your teeth and cause bad breath. Afterwards, pop in a mint to keep your smile fresh. If, however, your bad breath persists after the mint has worked its magic, it might be time for a checkup with your dentist.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps wash away bits of food that are leftover after eating. Additionally, choosing to drink water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks like coffee or juice is significantly more beneficial for your teeth. Water also stimulates the production of saliva, which strengthens your teeth and rinses your mouth out of harmful bacteria that can cause bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Choose Your Treats Wisely
While sticky, gummy, or sour candies might hold a special place in your heart, they can be downright dangerous to your dental health. Candies like these can get stuck in the grooves of your teeth, giving bacteria in your mouth ample time to break these sugars down and leave behind acidic waste products that cause cavities. Also, sucking on hard candies like lollipops bathes your teeth in sugar. If you’re going to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day, opt for some solid chocolate instead. It washes off the teeth much more easily than other candies, decreasing your chances of getting tooth decay.
Check in with Your Dentist
You should be seeing your dentist twice a year, and this time of year is as good as any. At this appointment, your dentist can diagnose any early signs of oral health problems like cavities while they’re still easy and inexpensive to treat. They can also give your pearly whites a professional cleaning, so they’ll practically sparkle on your Valentine’s Day date, dazzling your partner.
Although these tips are focused on Valentine’s Day, you can really apply them all year long. That way, your teeth will feel loved and appreciated all the time!
About the Author
Dr. Parsia Koleini graduated magna cum laude from Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine. His professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Massachusetts Dental Society. One of his main passions is cosmetic dentistry, so he can help get your smile shining brightly just in time for Valentine’s Day. To learn more, visit his website.