happy young couple looking at each other and smiling outdoor

If the current state of your teeth has you feeling anything but confident for an upcoming Valentine’s Day date, it’s not too late to get your smile ready! Being your most confident self to share how you feel about someone is vital, so looking and feeling your best is key. Make sure your mouth is in excellent health because you only get one chance to have a perfect first kiss!

Leave a positive impression and a kiss that is sure to be remembered with these 10 tips for achieving perfect teeth by date night.

Whiten Your Smile

Teeth whitening removes those stubborn stains from the surface of your teeth and safely lifts them out of the tooth enamel. Whether you choose an in-office or at-home teeth whitening treatment, the results will be a brighter smile.

Repair Cavities

If you are experiencing pain due to a cavity, the sooner you seek treatment, the easier it is to repair. If tooth decay has had time to spread, the required filling will be more substantial and will take more time to be corrected. In some cases, a dental crown may be the best solution. If the cavity has worked its way down to the pulp, or the center of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary.

It is essential to have a cavity repaired as soon as possible because it can be the cause of other health issues – even those not located in your mouth. Regular dental checkups are the best way to treat cavities while they are small.

Treat Gingivitis

Dental conditions never correct themselves on their own. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more than just bleeding gums and bad breath. Tooth loss is one of the significant side effects of gum disease, so don’t let this correctable disease go untreated.

Brush Twice a Day

Plaque can quickly turn into tartar, and frequent brushing helps teeth to stay whiter and healthier. How you brush is also essential. Angle the bristles toward the gumline at a 45-degree angle, with just enough pressure to make the tissue a lighter color. Gently make small strokes and brush twice a day for a full two minutes to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Floss Once a Day

Flossing removes plaque between teeth and out from under the gum line where your toothbrush is unable to reach. Flossing once a day can help to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis too. This simple task can be a difficult commitment for many, so keep floss in easy-to-reach areas for convenience and subtle self-reminders.

Use a Mouthwash

If you feel you often have bacterial buildup that causes bad breath, try incorporating a mouth rinse into your oral hygiene routine. An antibacterial mouthwash can help to access crevices and clean germs off of soft tissue that you are unable to brush.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated by drinking water will help to flush harmful bacteria in your mouth that leads to tooth decay. Tap water is the best choice as it has the recommended dosage of fluoride. Just by swapping sugary drinks for water, you can improve your oral and overall health. As a bonus, you might lose a little weight too!

Quit Smoking and Other Tobacco Products

Smoking is terrible for your breath and stains your teeth. This habit also affects how well you smell and taste. Those who use tobacco products are twice as likely to get gum disease as someone who does not smoke, and smokers are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. The perfect gift you can give to yourself this Valentine’s Day is to quit using tobacco products.

Watch What You Eat

Bad breath is often caused by certain foods that you eat, so keep this in mind before a big date. While foods like onions, garlic, and other spices help to give food flavor, your mouth will absorb these scents and flavors after consuming them. Think twice about what you eat on a date too to keep your date leaning in, and not out.

Have Your Teeth Cleaned

One of the best and easiest ways to prepare for a big date is to visit Hoffman Dental Care to have your teeth cleaned. Having your teeth cleaned can improve bad breath, remove built-up plaque, and even brighten your smile all in one visit.

Call today to schedule a cleaning, an in-office whitening treatment, or a smile makeover!