6 Ways to Make Your Mouth Extra Kissable for Valentine's Day

CHICAGO, Feb. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Dental Association (ADA) today released advice on how to make your mouth healthy and kissable, just in time for Valentine's Day.

"If you're planning on cozying up to someone this year, make sure your mouth is in good health," says ADA Spokesperson Alice Boghosian, D.D.S. "Taking care of your teeth and gums will help you stay healthy for Valentine's Day – and every other day of the year."

The ADA recommends the following tips for making your smile a vision of love:

1. Cavities Can Be Contagious: Whether through kissing or something as simple as sharing a fork, the bacteria that causes cavities can spread to another person. Brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between your teeth once a day for cleaner kisses and a cavity-free smile.
2. Beware Bad Breath: Bacteria is a big culprit of bad breath, so good dental hygiene is especially important. Other ways to stay fresh are over-the-counter antimicrobial (germ-killing) mouthwashes or chewing sugarless gum. Both can freshen your breath instantly and get saliva flowing—especially after you eat foods with a strong scent. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on both.
3. Share a Life, Not a Toothbrush: For many couples, a big relationship step is keeping a toothbrush at each other's place. Just make sure you each have your own because sharing toothbrushes also means sharing germs.
4. Brighten Your Smile: Confident smiles are attractive. If whitening makes you feel better about yours, talk to your dentist about which option is best.  There are a number of over-the-counter whitening products, or you could get an in-office treatment.
5. Smoking Isn't Attractive: Smoking is bad for your breath and stains your teeth – not to mention it's terrible for your overall health. Someone who uses tobacco is much more likely to have gum disease as someone who doesn't smoke. Smokers are also more at risk for oral cancer. Give yourself a gift this Valentine's Day and quit today.
6. Don't Forget About the Dentist! Regular visits to your dentist can help keep your mouth at its best all year long. Your dentist can help keep you healthy, discuss any concerns and give more advice on keeping your smile fresh.  

To learn more about keeping your mouth clean and fresh all year round, visit www.MouthHealthy.org. 

Editor's Note: Reporters are invited to follow the ADA on Twitter @AmerDentalAssn

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 161,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

Contact:
Natalie Matthews
[email protected]
312.440.2806

SOURCE American Dental Association

Related Links

http://www.ada.org