For everyone who loves love, Valentine’s Day is upon us. It’s time to celebrate who and what we love the most. And this year, you should also love your smile! Here are some ways to show your teeth some TLC this Valentine’s Day!
Choose Tooth-Friendly Treats
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with sweet treats. Of course, you know that sugar is not a good match for your teeth. While you want to limit sugar intake, you also should avoid sticky choices (like toffee or caramel) that allow sugar to cling to your teeth and get stuck in crevices between them. In addition, stay away from hard candies like conversation hearts or lollipops; biting into these puts you at risk for chipped or cracked teeth.
But all of that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge. When you do, choose tooth-friendly options like plain chocolate. Since plain milk or dark chocolate melts in your mouth, it is more easily washed away from the surfaces of your teeth. Even better, choose dark chocolate, which has less sugar and contains polyphenols (friendly compounds that can actually help strengthen tooth enamel and fight bad oral bacteria). Our top Valentine’s pick? Dark chocolate-covered strawberries, since strawberries are low in sugar, high in water, and also contain malic acid, a natural tooth whitener.
Be Picky About Drinks
If you want to pair a cocktail with your V-day dinner, you may want to pick a more tooth-friendly option. Mixed drinks can contain a shocking amount of sugar in the form of soda, juice, or simple syrup, so look for an alternative without these sugar-laden mixers.
Also, if you enjoy red wine or coffee, remember these beverages can stain teeth. To avoid this, limit your intake or make sure to rinse your mouth with water after indulging. Another option is to pair wine with cheese, which strengthens tooth enamel and can help counteract the effects.
Treat Yourself to Teeth Whitening
Who doesn’t want to look their best on February 14th (and the rest of the year, for that matter)? Now is a great time of year to think about professional teeth whitening treatment. With dramatic, immediate results that are far superior to what you can expect from over-the-counter options, professional teeth whitening is worth the investment in yourself.
Get Fresh Breath
Fresh breath is a must for Valentine’s Day. Bad breath is caused by bacteria and plaque buildup in our mouths. Luckily, most of the time, bad breath can be avoided by great oral hygiene. Make sure you brush your teeth for two minutes, or longer, twice per day and floss at least once. Don’t forget to also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth, too!
If you need a refresher during the day, gum is great, but check the ingredients. Make sure your gum is sugar-free. Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva production, so it can help cleanse teeth between brushings.
Kiss More
Did you know kissing is actually good for your teeth? Kissing promotes saliva production, and saliva is excellent for oral health because it washes away debris and bacteria. And unless one of you is ill (in which case you should take a break from locking lips), don’t worry about exchanging bacteria. Most types of mouth bacteria are common to everyone, and what is not can stimulate your immune system to create protective antibodies that keep you healthy.
Maintain Regular Dental Checkups
Seeing your dentist twice per year for a thorough professional cleaning and checkup can keep your teeth and gums healthy, your breath fresh, and your smile beautiful, all things everyone wants on Valentine’s Day. So show us some love this season, and book your regular checkup today!