Love your smile this Valentine’s Day: 7 top oral health tips for a healthy, happy smile

Freshen up for the big day

A sparkling smile is the best way to make a lasting impression, whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner or spending time with friends. To keep your breath fresh and your teeth bright, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.

Don’t forget to clean in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss, to remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone can’t reach.

Keep your diet in check

Valentine’s Day often brings a variety of sweet treats, from chocolate hearts to sugary cocktails. While it’s fine to indulge a little on special occasions, it’s important to remember that sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. After enjoying your favourite Valentine’s Day sweets, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to help neutralise acids and stimulate saliva production, which naturally helps protect your teeth.

Hydrate with water

When it comes to your oral health, water is your best friend. Hydrating with water not only keeps you feeling refreshed but also helps to wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. If you’re enjoying a glass of wine or a sugary cocktail, try alternating with water to minimise the negative effects on your teeth.

Share the love (but not your toothbrush!)

Valentine’s Day is about showing care, but sharing your toothbrush is a no-go! Toothbrushes can carry harmful bacteria and germs that can easily transfer between people, leading to potential infections or oral health issues.

To keep your smile healthy and safe, make sure you and your loved ones each have your own toothbrush. Encourage healthy habits by gifting dental care essentials, like electric toothbrushes, to help maintain good oral hygiene.

Dazzle your date but don’t put yourself in danger

Many people want to dazzle their date with a whiter smile, but it's important to stay safe when it comes to tooth whitening. Sales of at-home whitening kits often spike around Valentine’s Day, but these quick fixes come with risks. Overuse or using products that exceed the legal limits for hydrogen peroxide (the bleaching agent that will whiten the teeth), might lead to enamel erosion, gum irritation and uneven results.

If you’re looking to whiten your smile for the big day, always consult your dentist first. Professional whitening treatments are the safest way to get a bright, healthy smile without compromising your oral health.

Schedule a check-up

Your smile deserves regular attention, and a visit to your dentist can ensure everything is in tip-top shape. Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning or need a check-up, it’s always a great time to show your smile some love.

Preventative care is key to avoiding costly or painful issues down the road, so make sure you’re up to date with your dental appointments.

Protect your smile from HPV

As you celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, remember that HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus spread through sexual contact, and certain strains can increase the risk of mouth cancer, especially through oral sex. While many infections clear up on their own, the best way to protect yourself is by getting the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active. If you missed it, ask your GP for more information. Reduce the number of sexual partners, and using barrier contraception like condoms or dental dams can also help prevent the spread of HPV.