Valentine’s Day is a fun time for gift-giving, festive parties, and sweet treats. But when there’s too much of a good thing, it can have an effect on our health. That’s why, with just a little bit of knowledge, you can enjoy all the good fun while still protecting the beautiful smile of your family! Before you head out to find the perfect gift for this romantic holiday, Dr. Stephen Coates shares 4 dentist-approved Valentine’s Day gifts to show your entire family some love while keeping their smiles bright and healthy.
5 Ways to Show Your Oral Health Some Love
1. Give the Gift of Clean Teeth
Brighten the smiles of your loved ones with a professional teeth whitening treatment. Over-the-counter whiteners are less effective than your family dentist’s comprehensive cleaning and whitening using innovative methods and state-of-the-art equipment. You can even choose an in-office whitening treatment or a convenient take-home whitening kit.
2. Treat Your Mouth to Healthy Eats
In addition to the favorite traditional candies, you can also order a Valentine’s Day fruit arrangement or beautifully arranged fruit tray. It provides all the sweets while still providing healthy vitamins and minerals.
3. Give Them Some “Me Time”
Present your loved one with a gift card for luxury spa treatments or a massage. It’s a great way to care for their physical and mental well-being, which in turn can support better oral hygiene.
4. Choose Chocolate Wisely
The right chocolate can help reduce bacteria, infections, and decay. If your loved one is a chocolate fan, opt for solid dark chocolate. It has less sugar and more tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids for a tastier, mouth-watering finish. It also has great antioxidants and pairs well with other romantic foods and drinks!
Tips for Enjoying Valentine’s Day
No matter what you choose for your family this Valentine’s Day, follow these tips to help protect your teeth:
Remember to Brush
Make sure you brush twice a day and floss at least once daily. For Valentine’s Day, if you have candy and other treats, it’s best to brush your teeth immediately after eating. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, rinse your mouth with water to unstick those sticky sugars and acids. When you’re going to holiday parties, you may also want to carry a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
Keep it in Moderation
So, you want to enjoy a sweet treat on Valentine’s Day. Who doesn’t! Just don’t snack on the goodies all day. Choose a time to enjoy your candy, then move on to healthier options.
Add Sugar-Free Treats to the Mix
Remember that you can add delicious sugar-free options in with the usual sugary treats. On the other hand, you can also use a sugar-free gum to help you dislodge bits of food and keep your breath fresh after some candy snacking.
We Love Our Patients!
We love to see our patients smiling and hope you take these gift ideas to heart. We always look forward to seeing you in our office, where you’ll be treated with care. Treat yourself and your family by committing to better oral health this Valentine’s Day. Regular dental visits are the best way to achieve this! Schedule your dental check-up and cleaning appointments for the family today.
