[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” alt=”Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year – don’t let your dental hygiene habits impact your chances for love. | Irvine Dentist Neda Khodai, Barranca Dental – An Irvine Tradition of Dental Excellence” title=”Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year – don’t let your dental hygiene habits impact your chances for love. | Irvine Dentist Neda Khodai, Barranca Dental – An Irvine Tradition of Dental Excellence” width=”220″ height=”150″]https://www.barrancadental.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/file0001941256237.jpg[/image_frame]
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is a great time to keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful. While it is a day famous for indulgence, many of the traditional treats associated with this Hallmark holiday can be a disaster for your oral hygiene. We’ve compiled a few tips and some general advice to make sure that your day is a memorable one.
Avoid Tobacco
The buildup of tar and presence of nicotine is well known to destroy your teeth and cause oral cancer, but they also dry out your mouth and cause bad breath.
Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth can increase the buildup of plaque in your mouth. Avoiding dry mouth by staying hydrated with water is great, and sugar-free ADA approved gum can increase saliva production also. Try to avoid alcohol when possible, or make sure you wash it down with some water afterwards.
Avoid Some Foods
For a romantic evening, plan your Valentine’s meal accordingly. Avoid garlic, onions, soft cheeses, spicy meats, and peppers, as they are the leading causes of bad breath. Mouth wash, mint, or gum may temporarily cover up the smell, but it takes time for the cause of the problem to dissipate.
Candy
Candy is a great gift to give or a delicious present to receive. Like the holidays, try to avoid candies such as caramel or nougat and lollipops or jolly ranchers, as they stick to the teeth and increase your cavity risk. Hard candies also can chip or break your teeth, and caramel can pull off a crown.
Chocolate not only tastes great, but it is the preferred candy for Valentine’s Day. Milk or dark chocolates melts in your mouth, which lowers the time it remains in contact with your teeth.
Remember to Brush
You may be busy or distracted, but remembering to spend a few minutes to brush and floss in the evening not only improves your dental health, but your partner will love your fresh breath!
Contact Us!
If your are due for a teeth cleaning, it’s time to set up an appointment with Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai. Call us at 949-553-1111 or click below to get in touch with Barranca Dental Excellence. Se Habla Español!
[button size=”medium” link=”https://www.barrancadental.com/schedule-an-appointment-online/”]Schedule an Appointment Online[/button]