There are few things as universally attractive as a beautiful smile, and neglecting to tend to your oral health can cost you a lot in the dating department. Oral health plays a crucial role in all matters of close-quarters socialization, including smiling, conversation, and kissing, and having unsightly stains on your teeth or an unpleasant smell on your breath can break your chances of gaining the attention of a person of interest. Here’s a brief guide to how poor oral health can affect your dating life and what you can do to keep your teeth in stunning shape.
A Beautiful Smile Is Incredibly Attractive
Among both men and women and across all age groups, most people believe that a gorgeous smile is one of the most attractive physical traits in a potential partner. Unfortunately, some individuals deal with visible plaque buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, and many who see these in another person will assume that they just don’t care about their health. Perhaps even worse, bacterial buildup and lingering food debris in the mouth can lead to unpleasant breath, which is one of the best ways to discourage people from being in close quarters with you.
Excellent Oral Health Helps Your Self Confidence
Confidence is often the deciding factor in whether you’ll get that date or not, and a beautiful smile and self-esteem often go hand in hand. Those who smile frequently are seen as friendlier, more confident, and more approachable by others, but people who don’t feel like they have pretty teeth are often shy about showing their smiles off. Skipping your oral hygiene sessions can take a heavy toll on your dating prospects by making you less willing to smile.
How Can I Keep My Smile in Excellent Shape?
The good news is that proper oral hygiene isn’t hard once you get into the habit of it. A proper daily oral hygiene regimen includes:
- Brushing at least twice a day, once after waking and once before bed. It’s also a great idea to brush between meals as long as you wait at least thirty minutes after eating. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to eliminate plaque and food debris while freshening your breath.
- Flossing is every bit as important as brushing because it can eliminate plaque and food residue from the spaces between the teeth where a brush cannot reach. It also stimulates blood flow to the gums, which helps them heal and prevent infections.
- Antibacterial mouthwash kills more than 99% of harmful oral bacteria on contact and radically freshens your breath. Look for a brand with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval on the label.
Don’t let bad oral hygiene habits get in the way of romance. By taking excellent care of your teeth, you can have a smile that you’ll be eager to show off.
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett earned her dental doctorate at the University of Michigan and obtained her Advanced Education in General Dentistry through the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Dallas, TX offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on proper oral hygiene, contact her office online or dial (469) 874-0469.
