Avoid Valentine's Day Pitfalls with Tips from the American Dental Association

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the most kissable of holidays, it's important to remember that oral health is more than a white smile.  Ohio dentist Dr. Matt Messina, spokesperson for the American Dental Association, offers these tips:

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• Cavities can be contagious.  Yes, the bacteria that cause decay can be transferred, so think twice before sharing a fork with your child when you enjoy that double-chocolate cake.
• Mints may not beat bad breath. Stinky breath can be an indicator of oral disease or worse.  If you have chronic bad breath, see your dentist. If the dentist doesn't find anything wrong in your mouth, he may refer you to your primary care physician for treatment for a medical disorder such as sinus or lung infection, bronchitis, diabetes or some form of liver of kidney disease.
• Ditch the cigarettes. Not only do they make you decidedly less kissable, tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods, irritates gum tissues and contributes to bad breath. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from gum disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

And of course, your dentist knows that you should always brush twice a day, floss daily, eat healthy and see your dentist regularly, all key to a kissable mouth.

For more information, please visit the ADA's consumer website www.Mouthhealthy.org. 

About the American Dental Association

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 157,000 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 www.ada.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website www.MouthHealthy.org.

SOURCE American Dental Association

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