Whether it’s mother nature’s inspired summer fever or the simple fact that the sun is out, summer tends to be The Season of Dating. What Toothbrush Confidential wants to empower you with is:
1) Is your mouth Kiss ready?
2) The Dangers of Kissing
First off bad breath is going to kill your game no matter how delightfully funny and attractive you are. If you haven’t seen your dentist in six months, make an appointment for a cleaning and a check up, this way bleeding gums and bad breath shouldn’t be in your way. Of course you’ve been brushing and flossing daily, have you also been scraping your tongue? Check out this article from Toothbrush Confidential about the magic of tongue scraping.
Also check out willowdentaloffers.com to read about the $99 cleaning and check up special just for this 2014 summer.
Drink water. Not only will it help keep you hydrated in the heat, but it helps washing away food particles and bacteria that may cause bad breath. In the same breath, (pun not intended) try harder to brush more than once a day. Any movement over your teeth will dislodge the bacteria. If left untouched bacteria doubles in 24 hours.
Eat only date friendly foods. Avoid things like garlic, coffee, onions and pretty much anything you wouldn’t want to smell on someone’s breath.
Chewing fresh mint or sugar-free gum will help to keep your mouth fresh if you can’t reach for a toothbrush and will help wash away food particles.
“I like your yellow teeth.” Said no one ever.
Teeth yellow as you age. It happens. We drink coffee and wine and sometimes we need to take action to return to our natural bright white smiles. Toothbrush Confidential has broken down all the options when it comes to whitening here.
Now you’ve got fresh breath, a shiny white smile and you’re ready to get out there and get your date on… is kissing actually dangerous?
We hate to tell you yes. Each kiss with a frog or a prince may add 500 different types of germs and viruses most of which we have built up some immunity.
Cold or Flu Virus
———-
Colds or Flu Virus are probably the most obvious danger in the saliva exchange. So if you hear your date mention that they are not feeling great, you may want to postpone this kiss until you’re both feeling great.
Cold Sores
———-
If your date has any tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters around their mouth and lips, they are most likely cold sores. Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and are highly contagious when they are in this state or leaking fluid. Once scabbed over they may still be contagious. Beef up on your vitamin C and also try to use mouthwash more often which can cut curing time down. There is also evidence that cold sores can come from stress so add a Vitamin B to your daily vitamin regime.
A wound near the lips is most likely herpes, so it’s best to avoid kissing anyone with visible sores near their mouth.
Mononucleosis
———-
Although Mononucleosis’ nickname is Kissing Disease, this virus can be shared through sharing food, utensils, glasses or straws. The can knock you out of commission for months so know your kissing partner before you lock lips.
Oral Cancer
———-
This one is probably the most shocking. Studies show that Oral Cancer may spread through human papillomavirus which may be transmitted through kissing. The good news though? Your dentist can scan you for oral cancer with a Velscope before any symptoms appear. A yearly scan is good practice.
Your health is very important to us. We hope you feel empowered on your search for love.
