Planning (or hoping) to kiss someone special this Valentine’s Day? Here are some things you can do that will increase your chances and encourage them to come back for another round.

Whiten Your Teeth

A white smile is universally attractive. You can try whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes, over-the-counter whitening strips… or really go the extra mile and get professional whitening treatment from your dentist.

At South Florida Dental Care, we have several different options for you to try. Our Nite White Excel is an at-home treatment perfect for people with sensitive teeth. It offers fast results that can brighten your teeth before Valentine’s Day. Need to clear up internal tooth stains? Our Opalescence® treatment is highly effective for all kinds of internal stains, or for those who have used whitening treatments and need a touch-up. Check with us for the whitening option that’s best for you.

Prioritize Brushing and Flossing

Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is important to maintain good dental hygiene, but it’s also the best way to have cleaner teeth and eliminate bad breath. Both brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles that can both cause dental problems and aesthetic issues (which are often one and the same!).

Something that’s important to note: if you haven’t changed your toothbrush in the past three months, it’s time to get a replacement. A new brush will remove bacteria from your teeth better than a frayed brush.

Also, whatever else you do, don’t share a toothbrush this Valentine’s Day. It may seem cute and couple-y, but using your own toothbrush helps limit the risk of cavities and viruses.

Deal with Bad Breath

A good-looking smile isn’t good enough. If your Valentine leans in for a kiss and gets a whiff of bad breath, that may be the end of your night right there. What can you do to keep this from happening?

Make sure to brush regularly, and don’t neglect brushing your tongue, where bacteria congregate. Use antimicrobial mouthwashes to freshen your breath. Also, chewing sugarless gum after meals is a great way to get fresher breath and clean your teeth.

It’s also helpful to avoid behaviors that can make your breath smell bad. For example, smoking. At the very least you should try not to smoke before or during your date to make yourself more kissable. If you want to improve all kinds of dental and other health issues over the long term, though – including bad breath – the best thing you can do is quit completely. Think of it as another Valentine’s Day gift to the one you love.

Eat the Right Foods

This one is actually more “breath” advice, but there’s so much here that it deserves its own section.

First off, you want to avoid certain foods that are known to cause bad breath: onions, garlic, horseradish, canned fish, and dairy products. Choose a romantic menu without these foods to improve your chances at maintaining fresh breath.

You’ll also want to stay away from foods that tend to stick in your teeth, because this can cause both embarrassment and bad breath. The top offenders include berries, caramel, corn on the cob, popcorn kernels, potato chips, ribs, sticky candies, and white bread. Want to protect your teeth even more? Skip sugary drinks that sit on your teeth for long periods.

To be on the safe side, pack some dental picks or floss in your purse or pocket so you can pop into the bathroom and remove the offending foods before attempting to go in for a kiss. Swishing with water or chewing sugarless gum can also help.

Treat Dental Problems

Did you know that the bacteria which cause cavities can be spread to your loved one through a kiss? It’s yet another important reason why you need to brush and floss daily, but it goes beyond this. If you already have a cavity and you’ve been putting off dealing with it, make sure you head to the dentist before Valentine’s Day or you’ll be spreading those cavity-related germs and bacteria to your date.

Not enough to convince you? Well, how about this: untreated cavities can lead to inflammation and even tooth loss. So stop delaying and get in touch today. We’ll make sure your mouth is clean and healthy, and that all your Valentine’s smooches represent the best you have to offer.