5 Ways to Keep Your Breath Fresh Under the Mistletoe

Imagine you prepared a holiday excursion with your partner or crush. You both enjoyed an outing that was only made more romantic because of the festive décor. Then, a mistletoe finds its way hanging between you both.

It’s tradition you lean in for a kiss, but what if your breath jumps in and ruins the moment? You shouldn’t let poor oral hygiene ruin your chances of building a stronger relationship! Here are five ways to keep your smile healthy and fresh for times like these.

1.)  Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

Bacteria on your teeth can make your breath less than pleasant. Not only that, but they can also cause cavities, which can be uncomfortable to deal with and cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Even breathing in cool air can trigger it, so it can pull you out of a close moment with your loved one.

By brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, you can remove a large portion of buildup and keep your enamel strong.

2.)  Floss At Least Once a Day

In order to get all the plaque off your smile, you will need to floss as well. The bristles from the habit above won’t be able to get between your teeth, so use this handy tool to get rid of anything in these areas.

You can also use it as a helpful way to test your breath! Floss your molars and then smell the thread to see if it’s not that bad or could use some remedy.

3.)  Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue

The two steps above are great ways to get rid of bacteria on your teeth and gumline, but your tongue could use some scrubbing as well! You may notice a white or brownish film on it, and that can cause bad breath. Simply brush it with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.

4.)  Have Sugar-Free Gum or Mints on Hand

If you plan on making this romantic gesture after a nice dinner or while you are out, then doing the three steps above may not be entirely feasible. Instead, keep sugar-free gum or mints handy. They can give you that boost of freshness you need that won’t ruin a special moment.

5.)  See Your Dentist Consistently

Lastly, you should keep up with visits to your dentist! They will be able to see how your at-home oral care is doing and give you more personalized advice while doing a thorough cleaning themself. That way, your smile stays strong during the holidays and is ready for you to share a kiss with someone you love.

About the Author

Dr. Neelima Ravi earned her dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. She has also earned a Fellowship award with the Academy of General Dentistry, something only 6% of dentists have in the U.S. and Canada.

Dr. Ravi is proud to offer preventive care to the Hampton community. By using state-of-the-art techniques, you can enjoy more comfortable treatments that help your grin stay its best. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, schedule an appointment or call her office at (603) 926-1551.