Few days of the year spark images of romance like Valentine’s Day. Each year, people in many countries plan intimate dinners, purchase beautiful flowers, sumptuous chocolates, and other gifts that show appreciation for that special person in our life.
However, there is another crucial aspect of Valentine’s Day romance that also needs to be taken care of: your oral health! Bad breath, stained teeth, and poor oral hygiene can spoil the mood on what should be an amorous occasion for two.
Yonge Eglinton Dental is here to help with some confident smile tips that will help you make the most of what can be the most romantic day of the year!
How to have fresh breath for a date on Valentine’s Day
Whether your Valentine’s Day date is with your longtime spouse/partner or someone you’ve only recently met, you will want the freshest breath possible so you can get up close with confidence.
Here are some ways you can achieve fresh, clean breath for your big night out:
Brush and floss before heading out for the evening
Food particles caught between teeth or plaque that has built up can cause bad breath. Brush and floss your teeth before your Valentine’s Day date to ensure your mouth is clean and fresh.
Use a tongue scraper
Bacteria that can cause bad breath can live on the tongue. Tongue scrapers are safe, effective tools that can help reduce the bacteria, giving your mouth a refreshed, clean feeling.
Stay hydrated with water
Drinking water offers three benefits to would-be romantics. First, it helps wash out particles of food that might be stuck in between your teeth. Secondly, it prevents dry mouth, which can cause bad breath. Finally, water does not contribute to bad breath, unlike coffee, beer, or other strong-smelling beverages.
Choose breath-friendly foods before and during your date
Skip strong-smelling foods such as fish, garlic, and onions before your night out and during your date. If you do eat something that may linger on your breath, drink water with your meal and pop into the bathroom for a quick cleanup using a portable toothbrush and floss.
Carry sugar-free gum or mints
If you want to get rid of bad breath fast, chewing sugar-free gum or rolling a mint around with your tongue can help. Both actions promote saliva production, helping to loosen food particles and freshen your breath.
Brighten your smile before Valentine’s Day
An attractive smile can go a long way to increasing your attractiveness. However, if you are not feeling confident about the appearance of your teeth due to discolouration or stains, you might hold your smile back – and we would hate for that to happen!
Start smiling proudly again with these tips that will help preserve your teeth’s pearly white shine.
Get professional teeth whitening before Valentine’s Day
The fastest way to give your teeth a natural lustre is to get a professional whitening treatment at your dentist’s office. The procedure usually takes only 90 minutes, and you should see the results right away.
Whiten your teeth at home
Although they take longer to provide results, you can also try at-home treatments to gradually improve your teeth’s appearance.
Avoid stain-causing food and drinks
What you eat can also impact the appearance of your teeth. Foods such as coloured berries, curry, and tomato-based sauces can leave stains on your teeth, as can beverages such as coffee, red wine, fruit juices, and dark sodas.
Opt for lipstick with blue or purple undertones
If you plan on wearing lipstick for your Valentine’s Day celebration, choose pink lipstick with a blur or purple shade to give your teeth a whiter appearance. Avoid nude lipsticks in the brown or peach category, as they can make your teeth appear yellower than they actually are.
Gum health matters for a healthy smile
It takes more than smooth, unchapped lips, white teeth, and fresh breath to make up a beautiful smile. Pink, healthy gums also play a role in helping your smile look as perfect as possible, so ensure you do not neglect them.
Here are some handy tips on how you can take care of your gums:
Floss daily
Flossing at least once daily helps prevent plaque buildup that leads to inflamed gums. Inflamed gums can appear red, be very sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks, and bleed while brushing. This can also possibly lead to serious problems down the road, such as gum disease (periodontitis), loose teeth, and tooth loss.
Eat foods that support gum health
Nutrition plays a significant role in preserving strong, healthy gums. Be sure to eat food with plenty of:
- Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens
- Vitamin B12, including milk, eggs, and meat
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which include flaxseed oil and fatty fish such as salmon
Quit smoking or vaping
It is common knowledge that tobacco stains teeth, but it can also increase your risk of contracting gum disease. To avoid this and the other severe health risks associated with tobacco use, quit smoking or vaping right away. If you need help, consult your family doctor or dentist for effective strategies that will help you break the habit.
Schedule a professional cleaning
Another great strategy is to visit your dentist’s office for a professional cleaning. Your dental team will remove tartar that can cause gum disease, helping you have a smile you will be proud to share.
If you feel your smile could use a refresh before Valentine’s Day, we are happy to welcome you into our office for a complete examination and cleaning. Your date will appreciate the effort you put into creating a big, beautiful smile just for them!
Share a healthy smile on Valentine’s Day with help from the experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to our dental health team when you want an amazing Valentine’s Day smile. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
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