Valentine’s Day is a time to spend with the special someone in your life, but don’t forget to show your teeth some love, too. After all, your teeth are almost like a beloved partner: if you treat them right, they’ll be with you your whole life. With that in mind, here are some oral health tips to make your sweetheart swoon this Valentine’s Day.
A Whiter Smile
It is said a smile is the beginning of love, so make your special someone fall head over heels all over again with a brighter, whiter smile. He or she will love the new you, and you’ll feel pretty great about it, too. In fact, it’s been scientifically proven that an individual’s health and wellbeing can be improved by smiling.
That smile you’ve always wanted is waiting for you at Ellicott Mills Dental. We offer a full range of cosmetic dental procedures designed to improve a smile, such as teeth whitening treatments, dental veneers, and dental bonding. Whether you need cosmetic dentistry or a simple cleaning before the big date, call our office today!
Stay Away from Sticky Sweets
If you plan on spoiling your sweetheart’s sweet tooth this holiday, keep in mind that not all treats are tooth-friendly. Hard candies, lollipops, gummies, and chewy sweets like caramel are among the worst when it comes to oral health. These candies stick to your teeth, leaving them coated in sugar for long periods of time. Solid chocolate is a better option, and we recommend dark over milk because of its reduced sugar content. Of course, sugar-free sweets are the safest of all, but don’t overlook fresh fruit. Baskets, bouquets, and arrangements come in a variety of attractive designs and many fruits freshen breath and even reduce plaque.
Ban Bad Breath
Don’t let bad breath interfere with any intimate moments this Valentine’s Day. Brushing your teeth before you go out is a no brainer, but don’t forget your tongue. It holds a lot of foul-smelling bacteria and brushing it will reduce bad breath and keep that bacteria from damaging your teeth. If you’re heading out for dinner or drinks, carry some dental floss in case unsightly food particles become stuck in your teeth. You’ll also likely need to freshen your breath throughout the night, so keep mouthwash, breath mints, or chewing gum nearby.
Seal It with a Kiss
Smooching sounds like a pretty good way to spend a Valentine’s Day, and your teeth agree. Kissing actually benefits teeth by increasing a mouth’s production of saliva. That saliva then washes the teeth and helps to remove plaque. Just make sure your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh to keep the kisses coming.
If there’s something in the air this Valentine’s Day, let it be romance or love and not your bad breath. It all starts with great dental hygiene, but sometimes we need a little more. Let Ellicott Mills Dental help you form the perfect smile. Call us at (410) 461-3311 to schedule a teeth cleaning, whitening treatment, or any other dental procedure.