Valentine’s Day is a special time to show the one you love just how much they mean to you. Whether you’re planning a dinner for two at a local restaurant or a date night at home, you want to make it a memorable event. What you don’t want is to find yourself in serious pain because of a sudden dental emergency. To make sure your time is spent with your date and not your dentist, here are 4 ways to protect your smile this holiday.
See Your Dentist Before Valentine’s Day
If you want your smile (and breath) to make a good impression, let your dentist perform a pre-Valentine’s Day dental checkup and cleaning.
They’ll closely examine your teeth and gums, ensuring no inflammation, damage, or infection exists. If one or more of these issues are present, timely treatment can help get your oral health back on track. Also, you’ll receive a thorough dental cleaning, giving your teeth a renewed shine.
Brush and Floss Before the Big Date
Before leaving the house or welcoming that special someone into your home, make sure you brush and floss. Good oral hygiene is essential, and it can make a significant difference if your date tries to sneak a kiss.
Remember to use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste before cleaning your teeth for two minutes. Afterward, floss to remove bacteria and remaining food particles from between your pearly whites. To finish, give your mouth a final rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash.
Be Mindful of the Foods You Eat
When selecting the type of food you are going to eat, be careful about consuming anything hard, crunchy, or chewy. Biting down on one of these can accidentally cause a chip, crack, or broken tooth, and if you have a dental restoration, something sticky can dislodge it.
Also, if you want to be more mindful about having fresh breath, stick with more subtle smells that won’t keep your date three feet away.
Drink Lots of Water
Consuming water instead of alcohol is a smart choice, as it keeps you hydrated and flushes out any food debris in your mouth. While you can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, you’ll want to make sure you rinse with water when you’re done, so any stain-causing particles do not adhere to your tooth enamel.
If you decide to drink alcohol, be careful, as it can impair your coordination, which can lead to accidental falls and dental injuries.
Taking care of your smile this Valentine’s Day increases your chances that it will be one you will never forget.
About the Author
Dr. Zahara Munis earned her dental degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Leading the way at Snow Dental, she offers same-day emergency dental appointments for patients dealing with tooth pain and serious injuries. If you need to address a damaged tooth, visit our website or call (512) 371-7239 to schedule an appointment.