Ahhh…Valentine’s Day. The time of love, red roses, chocolate hearts, and….kissing! There’s arguably more kissing on Valentine’s Day than any other day of the year. The Valentine’s Day gift breakdown shows 65% greeting cards, 38% candy, 32% flowers, and 11% jewelry. At the end of the day, all the gift giving is for one notable reason – for the eloquent, midnight smooch.
As dentists, we seem to always focus on the negatives. Don’t eat candy or you’ll get a cavity; don’t brush too hard or your gums will recede; don’t eat ice or you could chip a tooth. We could talk about the risky business of kissing, like the sharing of harmful bacteria or the transmission of different illnesses. But not today. We’ll only explore the positives of the “make out” and discuss ways to “kiss a little longer.”
Kissing and Oral Health
The greatest benefit from kissing comes from increased saliva. If some is good, more is better. Protective qualities of saliva include:
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Helps prevent cavities by neutralizing the acids produced by bacteria
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Contains calcium and phosphorous (“tooth vitamins”) that help to re-mineralize teeth
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Contains antibodies that help fight infection
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Cleanses the mouth by flushing away cavity-causing food particles
The exchange of bacteria during kissing can sometimes be a good thing. This stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the foreign bacteria, making you more resistant to certain illnesses.
Bring Back the Freshness
We want this Valentine’s Day kiss to be perfect, so here are a few tips to get that irresistible fresh breath.
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Brush your tongue. This can be the single, most beneficial treatment for bad breath. The back portion of the tongue is found to harbor the bad-breath bacteria, due to its inability to self-cleanse. Toothpaste may be used to give you the added minty taste. A tongue scraper may also be used if the toothbrush isn’t doing the job.
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Evaluate your diet. Avoid foods with a noticeable odor, such as garlic and onions. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Also, try to avoid skipping meals. Eating aids in stimulating the washing action of saliva and helps to remove bacteria from the tongue.
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Floss. Particles of food can remain between the teeth, collecting bacteria and causing a foul odor. Flossing will eliminate this, but don’t just pop the floss through. You want to floss each tooth by forming a “C” around the tooth you’re flossing (like drying off your back after a shower – same idea).
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Use a Mouthwash. Although most mouthwashes only provide temporary relief, combining a rinse and a brush in the middle of the day can be very beneficial. This can easily be incorporated into your everyday routine. Be cautious when using mouthwashes with alcohol, as this may cause dry mouth thus worsening the condition.
So, you have your dentist’s permission to let the kissing begin. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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