Happy Valentine’s Day! Today is all about hearts, flowers, and showing others how much you care about them. However, as you make dinner plans and buy heart-shaped chocolates, don’t forget to love your oral health! A mouth full of tooth decay and bad breath won’t impress your Valentine, but a beautiful, sparkling smile may sweep them off their feet. Here are some quick tips from your Blackwell dentist to show your teeth some love this Valentine’s day.

Keep Your Breath Fresh on Date Night

Do you quickly test how your breath smells before picking up your date? Whether you’re going out to a fancy restaurant or enjoying a lovingly prepared homemade meal, you can prevent bad breath before it ruins your night. Just keep a small toothbrush or some floss in your pocket or purse and enjoy your dinner. When you get a chance, take a quick moment to excuse yourself and clean out those lingering food particles before they begin to contaminate your breath. For an added touch, take a quick sip of mouthwash or pop in a mint to give your smile that fresh, clean feeling. However, if your bad breath persists into the following day, it may be time to make a date with your dentist for a dental checkup.

Give the Right Treats to Your Sweetheart

Nothing says “I love you” more than a heart-shaped box of chocolates or candies, right? Unfortunately, even though many of us know that these sugary treats cause cavities, it can feel impossible to avoid them entirely on Valentine’s Day. If you choose to indulge your sweetheart’s sweet tooth this year, here are the best choices for their beautiful smile:

Fresh fruits. Creatively arranging pieces of fruit into a bouquet can be just as romantic as any sugary gift, if not more so! You can try chopping up fruits into shapes like hearts or flowers, or simply present them in a nice bowl.
Solid pieces of dark chocolate. Chocolate is the traditional treat of the season. As you look through endless rows of options, choose chocolates without creamy, chewy, or fruity fillings. These easily stick to teeth and may even dislodge dental crowns or fillings. Dark chocolate is also a good choice, since it contains less sugar than milk or white chocolate.
Soft candies. Pink lollipops and conversation hearts may be popular, but these hard candies can quickly wear down enamel and damage teeth. Instead, choose softer candies like peanut butter cups or peppermint patties that are easy to chew.

Pamper Your Smile with Regular Dental Checkups

The best way to keep your teeth happy and healthy is to regularly get a dental checkup. With professional dental cleaning, your dentist can clear out any leftover food particles, plaque, and bacteria hiding in hard-to-reach places like the back of your mouth or just underneath the gumline. Afterward, your dentist can look for symptoms you may not notice yet and treat any little problems before they become bigger issues. Just like a relationship, it’s important to regularly care for your oral health even if you don’t think anything is wrong in order to keep it strong and healthy. This Valentine’s Day, use these simple tips to show your teeth some love!

About the Practice

At Blackwell Dentistry, you can expect to get superior dental healthcare in a friendly and welcoming environment. Dr. Aaron Neale has been voted Best Dentist for five years running by the Blackwell Journal Tribune and continues to ensure every one of his patients can get the affordable, convenient, and professional services they need. He would be happy to help you fall in love with your smile, so feel free to contact him at his website or at (580) 363-0533.