On average, women smile at least 60 times a day. Men, only 10.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. You get to spend time with your special someone. Or maybe it’s the night you’ll meet your new special someone. Is your mouth ready?
Brighten Up Your Smile With Teeth Whitening
If you’re looking for the quickest, budget-friendly way to take years off your smile, teeth whitening is a great solution. The bright color gives you a welcoming, exuberant appearance.
Avoid Bad Breath
Well…sure, who wants stinky breath? Sometimes you can do things that cause bad breath without even realizing it.
Avoid Harshly Smelling Foods
OK, so maybe this one was obvious, but it had to be said none-the-less. If you must have that liver and onions on your date, be sure to pack along your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Take a quick trip to the restrooms and freshen up.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Staying hydrated helps your breath in two ways: First, dehydration itself is a cause of bad breath. Second, keeping your mouth and teeth particle free also prevents bad breath.
Additionally, it will keep your lips from getting too dry.
Apply Lip Balm Throughout the Day
And speaking of lips…winter is harsh on our smoochers. No one likes kissing dry, cracked lips. To help prevent that, apply lip balm several times throughout the day leading up to your romantic evening.
Avoid Gum and Mouthwash
While definitely decent temporary fixes, gum contains sugars that will increase the bacteria in your mouth and actually lead to bad breath. Mouthwash contains alcohol that can dry out the tissues in your mouth, also leading to bad breath.
Smile
If you want to make your companion feel great during your time together, smile. Let them know you enjoy being with them. It won’t hurt to tell them too.
Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and current accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants. Check out his website for more information.