Nothing can make a romantic date fizzle faster than a dirty mouth. And we aren't talking about what comes out of it.
In fact, a survey of both men and women showed that the biggest deal-breaker in a relationship is bad breath. That's because sense of smell is key to finding a suitable mate. Nobody wants to kiss a stinky mouth, so here are eight ways to make sure your mouth is always kissable, guaranteeing you'll always get that second date.
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Brush Your Teeth
This should go without saying, but the best way to avoid bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day is the best way to keep your mouth clean and healthy. But don't just focus on your teeth.
The tongue and palate need cleansing, too. Your mouth is full of plaque that can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities and other dental ailments. For best results, replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
However, brushing alone is not enough for your mouth. Flossing daily is also important because it removes food and other debris caught between teeth. Make sure you get between every tooth -- the back ones can be a little tricky -- and rinse afterward.
Good oral hygiene also includes visiting your dentist regularly - twice a year is recommended. Although many people have fears of going to the dentist, regular checkups will keep your teeth polished and help prevent decay and gum disease from occurring.
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Avoid Smelly Foods
Keeping your mouth clean is just one of the ways to make your mouth more kissable.
You also need to keep bad breath at bay. This is easier said than done, though, because there are a variety of things that can cause bad breath, and sometimes brushing your teeth won't help. Foods such as garlic and onions, while taste great, are not recommended on a romantic date where kissing may be involved.
Stay Hydrated
A dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Keep the saliva flowing in your mouth by drinking more liquids, especially water, to freshen your breath naturally. A dry mouth breeds germs, which can cause nasty odors.
If your breath seems to smell bad, no matter how you try to remedy it, it could be halitosis. Halitosis is chronic bad breath, and it can be a sign of a serious health condition. Stomach, liver and kidney problems can wreak havoc on your breath, as can bronchitis and diabetes. See your doctor if the bad breath persists.
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Ditch the Cigarettes and Booze
Quit the bad habits. Smoking and excessive alcohol drinking can make your breath stinky. Nobody wants to kiss a mouth that smells like an ashtray or a liquor cabinet. In addition, cigarettes and alcohol can do a double-whammy on you by discoloring your teeth.
Tobacco can also cause cancer, canker sores, and tooth and bone loss. If you want to end up with yellow teeth, gum problems and bad breath, say goodbye to a second date. Those are definitely 3 characteristics of an unkissable mouth!
Banish Sweets
Change your diet. Besides the onions and garlic, sugar is a major cause of bad breath. Sugar causes teeth to rot, which isn't sexy when you're going in for the kiss. Although candy and sodas are the biggest offenders, many other unlikely foods may have sugar in them, so check food labels carefully.
Even nutritious foods such as fruits and whole grains can have carbohydrates, which may cause bad breath as well. If you do eat sugary or carb-rich foods, try to brush as soon as possible.
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Food with calcium and vitamin C, such as dairy products, citrus fruits and dark leafy vegetables are good for teeth and gums, so try to eat as much of them as possible. Carrots are also good for removing plaque from teeth.
Whiten Up
Besides smelling good, you want your mouth looking good as well. Tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea all can stain you teeth. Teeth whiteners can make your teeth look bright white again. Teeth whitening kits can be bought at your local drugstore and typically consist of strips or gel placed on your teeth.
There are also toothpastes that contain bleaching ingredients so you can whiten your teeth as you brush. Your dentist can do a professional teeth whitening as well. Although it is the most effective way to whiten your teeth, it is also the most costly, with prices ranging from $300-400.
Exfoliate and Moisturize
Take good care of your lips. Cold weather can cause lips to crack or become chapped. Exfoliate them daily using a wet, warm washcloth to wash your lips gently. Use lip balm before going to bed at night and when you wake up in the morning. Try to avoid licking your lips because it causes more chapping to occur.
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Also avoid using too much lipstick or lip gloss. Although they may make your lips more attractive (and therefore kissable) at first, they can get messy after kissing, and no guy wants glitter or lipstick residue all over his face. Sometimes an all-natural look works wonders.
Drop Sugar and Add Fluoride
Avoid sugary mints. They only make your breath smell fresh temporarily, before the sugar causes germs to set in on your breath. Try chewing gum instead because it increases saliva flow, which freshens breath.
Use fluoride. If fluoride is not in your toothpaste or mouthwash, then drink more water. City water contains fluoride, which reduces cavities. If you only drink well water or bottled water, ask your dentist for supplements.
Now that you have a fresh, clean mouth, go in for the kiss! Lean in close, open your mouth just a little and go for it! A clean and fresh-smelling mouth is a sign of good health. Don't let body odor deter your date from making out with you.
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Although it can be a pain to have to follow so many rules to get a kissable mouth, it will definitely be worth it in the end when your guy keeps coming back for more kisses.