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Healthy Smooching: Good Oral Hygiene Leads to Great Kisses

Whether you're preparing for holiday mistletoe or are just in the mood for some love, you're probably fully aware of the connection between the state of your mouth and the quality of your kisses. Still, a little reminder never hurt. Here's the skinny on getting lucky without embarrassment (from your mouth, anyway)!

Kick the Smoking Habit

I'm sure you're very familiar with the smoking lecture. Not only do tobacco products taste awful to your partner, but they put you at greater risk for oral cancer and periodontal or gum disease. Why put so much effort into knocking your sweetheart's socks off if you aren't going to be around to pick them up? If you don't kick the habit for your partner, do it for yourself.

Don't Chew Gum

The best smooches are spur of the moment, so it's best to be prepared for them. Besides, sugary gum can lead to tooth decay, AKA cavities. If you must chew gum (maybe you want your breath to be in top shape), choose a sugar-free variety like Xylitol.

Brush and Floss

Nothing leaves an impression like bad breath, but it's not the kind of attention you want. Besides, healthy white teeth will help you build confidence in your smile. Brushing your teeth and gums is a good start, but take it a step further and floss each night. You'll dislodge food particles and remove odor-causing, not to mention tissue- and tooth-destroying, bacteria. If you don't have your toothbrush handy after you eat, at least rinse your mouth out with warm water. There are also a number of handy little dental hygiene products available for great breath on the go.

Take good care of your partner by caring for yourself. If you find that your gums are exceptionally tender or swollen, or if you have habitually bad breath, make an appointment with your dentist. These could be symptoms of a more serious problem!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

A Dental Hygienist Refresher Course On Flossing

How many times have you heard your dentist and dental hygienist tell you to floss? You nod your head and, maybe, you try flossing for a while. Then old habits take over. Well, it bears repeating: is one of the best things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Bacteria accumulate between the teeth and where the tooth meets gum tissue. Every 24 hours brings a new batch. Brushing won't get rid of the bacteria, flossing correctly will.

Flossing before or after brushing should be a part of your home oral health care program. It doesn't matter which floss you use, and it doesn't require special skills, although practice makes perfect.

Here's a general routine to follow: wrap floss around your fingers, leaving five to six inches to work with. Keep the floss tight.

When the floss frays, re-loop the floss and continue flossing.

If you feel as if you're all thumbs, use a flossing threader. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how.

Choose a section of teeth; say your upper molars, which are most difficult to reach. Follow the curve of enamel on every surface, reaching wherever you can, with about three passes each time.

If an opening between teeth is tight, you may have to gently pull the floss toward the gum line. Be careful not to damage soft tissue.

Work from the back teeth toward the front while flossing, and then repeat the process on the other side. Rinse when you're done. The time you invest in plaque removal will pay real dividends at your next dentist cleaning visit. Your dental hygienist will be proud!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.