To Kiss or Not To Kiss?

Kissing offers many health benefits such as creating a strong emotional bond with your partner, reducing stress and depression, increasing flow of saliva during deep kissing or even improving your immunity by being exposed to germs that inhabit your partner’s mouth.
BUT. Kissing may also transmit a number of disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Bacteria and viruses in the saliva or blood of one person can be spread to another person by kissing such as colds, fever, herpes infection, hepatitis b, warts, meningococcal disease and to some extent, even tooth decay (i.e. new born babies).

IT’S OK. You don’t have to give up kissing. While disease-causing bacteria and viruses can be transferred or transmitted during a kiss, most will not be enough to cause disease and the risk of serious disease is still very small.

DON’T FORGET. You can reduce the risk of transferring an infection while kissing by not kissing when you or your partner is sick or have a sore, wart or ulcers around the mouth, being vaccinated and, of course, by maintaining good oral hygiene.

ENJOY. Brushing and flossing before kissing will help if you have no dental problems. Seeing your dentist regularly for cleaning and ensuring that you and your partner are in the best oral health will definitely ensure a more enjoyable and safe kissing experience.

Top Dental Tips for Kissable Mouth

1. Keep a floss or a mint in your pocket to maintain a fresh breath after a sumptuous meal.

2. If you plan to indulge on sweets and chocolates on Valentine’s day, choose dark chocolates (70-85% cacao) that contain less sugar. Just don’t forget to drink lots of water and to brush your teeth afterwards

3. It is tempting. But you should refrain from drinking too much wine or smoking. Remember, these are the top culprits for teeth stains.

4. Still looking for a memorable present for your partner? Give the gift of oral health. Electric toothbrush is a practical gift to keep your sweetheart smiling all year long.

5. Schedule a dental check up with your partner to get advice on improving your dental health habits.

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/