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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, chances are that you have already made reservations to the finest restaurant in town, and are in the process of finding the perfect gift for your better half.  While Cupid is bound to supply the romance on this special day, we would like to take this chance to underline the importance of oral health. After all, great teeth and tip-top oral hygiene are the two ingredients that make any Valentine’s Day kiss even sweeter.

Great smiles attract other great smiles

So, you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly and visit your dentist to make sure your pearly whites are in pristine condition. But what about your partner? Did you know that if your significant other has poor oral hygiene habits, this can also be detrimental to your own oral health? Some might argue that kissing itself has been shown to prevent tooth decay because it stimulates the production of saliva. Clinical research suggests that kissing couples share around 500 species of microorganisms, including the bacteria responsible for gum disease.

This fact alone should provide enough motivation to help your partner improve his or her oral health. Brushing your teeth together in the morning and before bed is one habit that can bring you closer together. After all, you know the old saying, couples that brush together stay together. Without a doubt, this simple habit can become a team effort with mutual benefits all around.

Not only that, but you can also keep each other from bad dental habits and give yourselves friendly reminders to stay away from poor oral hygiene habits. Some examples of unhealthy practices you should stay away from include:

·       Sipping on soda rather than drinking it all at once

·       Chewing on popcorn kernels and/or ice

·       Using your teeth to open packages or bottles

·       Chewing on non-food items like pencils, fingernails, pens, etc.

·       Grinding your teeth while under stress

·       Frequently eating snacks like pretzels, chips and candy

Keep these dental tips in mind and enjoy your Valentine’s Day, lovebirds!