Kissing, in general, is pretty good for you! From increased endorphins to more saliva production (gross but good!), it’s considered a good thing almost across the board. But what about for your teeth? Could kissing lead to gum disease or other oral health problems? Keep reading to find out!
Is Kissing Bad for Your Teeth? It Can Be!
Don’t worry—we aren’t advocating that you stop kissing. But there are some potential downsides you should be aware of! For starters, when you kiss your partner, you’re swapping saliva between one another. Sounds obvious, right? The negative part comes in when you have great oral health, but your partner doesn’t.
The bacteria that can cause gum disease and other oral issues is actually contagious—meaning someone else’s poor oral hygiene can affect you if you’re kissing them! The transferred bacteria can build up in your mouth and damage your tooth enamel, lead to cavities, or even cause gum disease.
The good news? Odds are you aren’t kissing people with bad breath—one potential sign of poor oral hygiene—so you’re probably fine.
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy
Make sure you’re smooching safely! Avoid swapping harmful bacteria, and keep both you and your partner’s mouths happy and healthy with these tips:
#1: See Your Dentist Twice a Year
This one should be a no-brainer! One of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy is for you (and your partner) to get regular checkups at the dentist.
#2: Brush & Floss Well
You and your partner should be brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and also flossing once a day at least! This is one of the most effective ways you can keep bad bacteria out of your mouth.
#3: Stay Hydrated
You’ll see lots of benefits from this tip—and not just for kissing! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day ensures that your mouth is producing plenty of saliva. The water will also help flush out any food particles that could stick to your teeth.
#4: Watch Out for Bad Breath
Bad breath happens to all of us at some point. Typically this can be fixed with a mint or something similar—but if you notice that it’s a regular thing, you or your partner should get checked out by a dentist. Persistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease.
Want a Healthier Mouth? Come See LeCroy Dental!
As long as you and your partner maintain healthy oral hygiene, you can keep on kissing! The best and most thorough way to stay on top of your oral health is to see your dentist regularly and/or if you suspect there’s an issue. Get in touch with LeCroy Dental today to set up an appointment!