Pucker Up.

Filed in archive Beauty on February 13, 2008

Whether you are spending hundreds of dollars on a special Valentine's Day dinner or a shacking up for the evening, everyone knows that chemistry can fizzle if you don't have fresh, kissable breath.

It's been reported that between 14-25% of Americans and 35-45% of the world's population has chronic bad breath and Dr. Daniel Noor, a cosmetic dentist in New York City sees an influx of patients looking for advice on how to keep their breath minty fresh before a big Valentine's Day date.

Aside from carrying your own personal toothbrush and toothpaste, yes, there are some simple ways to avoid and cure bad breath discreetly while on a date. Dr. Noor was kind enough to share some simple tips that can help both men and women assure they won't be told to kiss-off this holiday:

When Placing Your Order...
-Meat eaten in large quantities can cause bad breath, mostly due to the digestion process, which begins in the mouth.
-Carbohydrates cause the strongest odors in the mouth - sugars, starches, and cellulose
-Milk intolerance is also a cause of bad breath. If you are sensitive to dairy products - steer clear of ice cream desserts!

After Your Meal...
-Lick the inside of your wrist. This is the best test to see if your breath is foul.
-Use dental floss. Bad breath can be caused by food caught in your teeth.
-Chew your garnish! Parsley is a well-known home remedy for bad breath.
-Order the fruit dessert. Fresh fruits help cleanse the mouth after a meal and flush away odor-causing bacteria

At the Bar...Alcohol dries out the mouth, which reduces saliva production.
-Mojitos contain lots of fresh mint, so order one and ask for an extra mint garnish to chew on after you finish your drink.
-Water will help thwart the dehydration effect of alcohol. Order one glass of water for every drink and you'll stay sober and sweet!
-Alcohol consumption causes digestive problems which leads to bad breath. In addition, alcohol dries out the mouth, which reduces saliva production.