Valentine’s Day is all about love, affection, and making lasting impressions. But there’s one crucial aspect that can make or break the romantic mood—fresh breath. Whether you’re preparing for a date, a kiss, or a sweet moment with a loved one, ensuring your breath is as fresh as your feelings is key. Dr. Susanne Cohen, a renowned dentist and “Bad Breath Expert,” offers these essential tips to help you achieve kissable breath this Valentine’s Day:
1. Limit Your Libations
Alcohol can be a double-edged sword on a date. While it might ease nerves and set a romantic tone, it also has a drying effect on your mouth. This dryness can exacerbate bad breath and leave you with a hangover the next day. To keep your breath fresh, try to limit yourself to one alcoholic drink per hour and balance each drink with a glass of water. This approach helps keep your mouth hydrated and less prone to bad breath.
2. Skip the Protein-Packed Meal
A meal high in protein might seem like a good choice for staying full and energized, but it can contribute to bad breath. Protein serves as food for bacteria in your mouth, which produce foul-smelling gases. To avoid this issue, opt for a balanced meal with fewer protein-heavy foods, and include plenty of vegetables and fruits that help freshen your breath.
3. Cut Out the Coffee
While coffee can provide a much-needed pick-me-up, it’s notorious for causing bad breath. This isn’t solely due to coffee’s strong aroma but rather because it can exacerbate existing bad breath. If you want to avoid “coffee breath,” skip your mid-afternoon coffee fix and stick to water. Your breath will thank you.
4. Moderate Your Chocolate Intake
Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, can boost your mood with its serotonin-releasing properties. However, indulging too much can have the opposite effect on your breath. After eating chocolate, bacteria in your mouth begin to grow and can lead to bad breath. Enjoy chocolate in moderation and remember to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth afterward to keep your breath fresh.
5. Be Prepared for Morning Breath
No one can escape morning breath, but you can manage it with a bit of planning. If you’ve indulged in any of the bad breath culprits the night before, try to discreetly freshen up before greeting your Valentine. A quick rinse with mouthwash or brushing your teeth can make a big difference.
6. Use a Long-Lasting Mouthwash
To ensure your breath stays fresh throughout the day, consider using a mouthwash designed for long-lasting freshness. Dr. Susanne Cohen recommends SmartMouth mouthwash, which provides up to 12 hours of fresh breath with just one rinse. Using a reliable mouthwash both in the morning and at night can help you wake up with fresh breath and keep your confidence high throughout the day.
About Dr. Susanne Cohen
Dr. Susanne Cohen is the CEO and co-founder of Triumph Pharmaceuticals Inc., which produces SmartMouth products. With over 24 years of experience in the dental and oral care industries, Dr. Cohen’s expertise has led to the development of innovative oral care solutions, including mouthwash, toothpaste, gum, and mints. Her commitment to fresh breath and dental health makes her a trusted authority in the field.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a memorable and kissable Valentine’s Day. Fresh breath is just one way to enhance your romantic moments and ensure you make a lasting impression.