Kiss With Confidence This Valentine's Day With Fresher Breath
Kiss With Confidence This Valentine's Day With Fresher Breath
If you’re hoping for a Valentine’s Day kiss this year, the last thing you want is to be worrying about whether bad breath is getting in the way of a romantic moment.
Luckily, we’ve put together some quick tips on how to knock bad breath on the head so you can kiss with confidence!
1. Avoid bad breath food culprits
We’re all aware that certain smelly foods are likely to leave a less-than-pleasant odour in our mouths. However, aside from avoiding the usual suspects in your Valentine’s meal - such as garlic, onions and seafood such as tuna - it’s also a good idea to limit your consumption of acidic and sugary foods.
These foods can increase the production of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath. Similarly, coffee can also be a cause of bad breath, as the acidity in this beverage can combine with stomach acid, creating an unpleasant smell.
2. Carry a travel toothbrush
If you’re planning on getting up close and personal with your date this Valentine’s Day, you might want to consider bringing a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you.
Their compact size means they can easily be slipped inside a handbag or backpack, providing a convenient way to freshen your breath on the go. If you’re conscious of your breath or have eaten something pungent, a quick brush can help you to quickly get rid of any odours and keep your teeth looking sparkling. Keeping a travel-sized toothbrush with you when you’re out and about means you can brush away any bacteria and food debris, particularly after eating sugary foods, which can help to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
3. Drink water to avoid bad breath
While you may be tempted by a romantic glass of wine on Valentine’s Day, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Not only is this good for your overall health, but it can also help you avoid unwanted bad breath.
Drinking water can stimulate your saliva glands, which are responsible for cleansing your tongue and teeth of food debris. By keeping these glands stimulated by staying hydrated, you can prevent bacteria from building up and causing bad breath.
4. Reach for the mouthwash
While mouthwash alone can’t cure persistent bad breath, a quick rinse of your mouth with a fresh-scented mouthwash product can provide a fast burst of freshness that ensures you’re ready for romance.
You can use mouthwash after a meal to freshen your breath or rinse your mouth before you go on your date to give you the confidence of fresher-smelling breath. If you suffer from persistent bad breath, it’s important to speak to your dentist, as this may be caused by an underlying oral health issue.
5. Skip the smokes
We all know that smoking is bad news for our health, increasing our risk of a wide range of serious medical conditions, including cancer and lung disease. However, smoking is also a serious breath killer, leading to unpleasant odours in the mouth.
By giving up the cigarettes, you’ll soon knock bad breath on the head, as well as improving your overall health and reducing your risk of smoking-related diseases. For advice on how to quit smoking, talk to your doctor.
6. Don’t forget to clean your tongue
When you’re brushing your teeth twice a day, make a point of cleaning your tongue too. While we often neglect this part of our mouths, the tongue can harbour bacteria and germs that lead to the development of bad breath.
To keep your breath as fresh as can be, use a toothbrush that has a built-in tongue scraper on the back of the brush head, or simply use the bristles of your regular toothbrush to clean your tongue.
7. Practice good oral hygiene all year round
While you may be focusing a little more on fresh breath in the lead up to a Valentine’s Day kiss, remember that good oral health is an ongoing practice. To keep your breath smelling fresh at all times, make sure you’re maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once per day.
It’s also important to keep up to date with your regular dental appointments (it’s recommended once every six months), as this can help to identify any oral health issues which may be contributing to bad breath.
If you suffer from persistent bad breath (halitosis) it’s important to talk to your dentist about what could be causing this. To make an appointment with your local National Dental Care Group practice, book online today.