Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re thinking of celebrating with the traditional treat – chocolate – don’t forget the importance of good oral hygiene. What your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist can tell you is that too much sugar and poor dental care can quickly ruin your sweet smile and put a damper on your romantic holiday.
How Chocolate Sweets Came to Say “I Love You”
There are many suggestions as to why chocolate is associated with Valentine’s Day. Science has found that there are chemicals in chocolate – tryptophan and phenylethylamine – that stimulate sexual arousal and the feeling of falling in love. Plus, chocolate contains caffeine, which raises the heart rate.
Additionally, history suggests that it is an aphrodisiac discovered by the ancient Aztecs and that when Christopher Columbus returned from the Americas he brought it with him as a tribute to Queen Isabella of Spain. Chocolate just may be the perfect gift for lovers on Valentine’s Day.
However, lest you forget, your Century City cosmetic dentist will tell you the sweetest kisses only happen when someone has good oral hygiene. That means whatever sweet treat you enjoy on Valentine’s Day be sure to brush and floss after each meal.
Good Oral Hygiene Ensures Sweet Kisses for Valentine’s Day
There’s nothing worse than kissing someone who has just eaten onions or garlic or recently smoked a cigarette. However, good oral hygiene isn’t important in merely eliminating off-putting smells. As your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist will tell you, it’s vital to keeping your teeth and gums healthy whether you’ve eaten a pizza or a chocolate heart.
Since Valentine’s Day is one of the most kissable days of the year, good oral hygiene is even more relevant. After all, who wants an unkissable Valentine?
Although indulging in too many Valentine’s Day sweets can affect your dental health, sugar is not the primary reason for cavities. However, it is a contributing factor.
Tooth decay actually comes from carbs. The bacteria in your mouth produce acid when you eat carbohydrates. Carbohydrates come from food items such as potatoes, bread, and rice. However, sugar, even natural sugar from fruits and vegetables, also have carbs.
The acid from the carbohydrates eats into the enamel of your teeth. This gives the bacteria in your mouth a place to live. Once there, your toothbrush and floss have a difficult time reaching them. That’s when cavities grow.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat carbs. You just need to be aware of how long you expose your teeth to them. If you drink soda all day or don’t brush after each meal, you increase your chances of getting cavities. That’s why good oral hygiene is vital – every day of the year. Just ask your Century City cosmetic dentist.