“If you wanna know if he loves you so, it’s in his kiss (that’s where it is)”
-(Aretha Franklin)

Catchy tune, right? You know what else is catchy? A healthier mouth! Research into passionate kissing among healthy individuals has revealed many valuable health benefits. On average, 20% of bacteria in saliva is unique to each individual and 80 % is common to everyone. When saliva is exchanged, it stimulates your immune system to create antibodies to the “foreign” bacteria, a process known as cross-immunotherapy which aids you in fighting infection. Want to learn more about the benefits of puckering up? Click here!

There are a million stars in the sky, your date couldn’t have been more perfect and now you are standing at the door about to say goodnight and you start to get a little nervous. You’re thinking, what do I do now? I’ve been witty, I’ve been funny, I’m looking suave in my best duds, but am I (gulp) kissable? If only you could rewind time and do a breath check in the bathroom. But alas, it is too late. You awkwardly say goodnight with a friendly hug and walk away.

Don’t worry though, you are not alone. More than 85 percent of all Americans suffer from bad breath at some point. But there are steps that you can take to minimize malodorous embarrassment. Here are a few suggestions:

• Snack on foods such as citrus fruits, parsley, or fennel seeds. This will stimulate salivary flow without providing the oral bacteria with the nutrients (sugar) they need to metabolize.
• Use non-toxic breath freshening products containing chlorine dioxide.
• Brush your tongue! While most of us think brushing teeth and flossing is enough, it is important not to forget the tongue. The tongue has papillae and grooves that provide ideal places for bacteria to hide and multiply.
• Down the H20. Drinking water will keep bacteria in your mouth to a minimum. Plus, it’s a great for your overall health.

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Did you know there’s more to kissing than just, well, kissing? Here are some interesting facts to share with your sweetie this Valentine’s Day, and some facts you might want to keep to yourself…

• Kissing can be sanitizing. “Kissing is nature's cleansing process. Saliva washes out the mouth and helps remove the cavity-causing food particles that accumulate after meals." Dr. Heidi Hausauer, a dentist and spokeswoman for the Academy of General Dentistry
• Word of caution: Cavities can be transferred by kissing! The bacteria that causes cavities can be transferred from one person to another so you may actually catch what you kiss.
• Mints don’t necessarily combat bad breath. While they stimulate salivary flow and add a fragrance to the air, they also feed the very bacteria causing the problem.
• It’s good for your teeth! Tooth enamel, which is one of the hardest substances in our bodies, protects the inner layers of teeth. The mineral salts in saliva help to rebuild the minerals in the tooth enamel, and also helps prevent tooth erosion.

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While in some ways kissing can be sanitizing, it can also create harm. The bacteria that create cavities can be transferred from one person to another. Make sure you maintain a healthy mouth by practicing good oral hygiene – daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to your dentist. This will help ensure your kissability!