Can Kissing Affect Your Oral Health? | Dentist Near Me

At Kerger Family Dental, we know that being close to someone often means sharing more than just affection. Kissing, while enjoyable, can lead to the exchange of over 500 germs in just one kiss, potentially impacting your oral health. Here are a few health concerns to keep in mind when it comes to kissing.

Colds & Flu Viruses If you suspect you're coming down with a cold or the flu, it's wise to avoid kissing. Viruses like these are easily transmitted through saliva and nasal fluids, making it easy to pass them to others. Avoiding contact while you’re feeling under the weather helps protect your loved ones from illness.

Cold Sores Cold sores are not only uncomfortable but highly contagious. These small, clear blisters around the lips are a sign of a viral infection and can spread even if they're not leaking fluids. If you or your partner have cold sores, it's best to avoid kissing to prevent spreading the virus.

Mononucleosis: “The Kissing Disease” Mononucleosis, often referred to as “mono,” is another illness that spreads rapidly through kissing. In addition to kissing, sharing items like cups or utensils can spread the virus. Even if someone appears healthy, they can still carry the virus, so it's important to avoid sharing food or drinks with others to minimize your risk.

Tips for Fresh Breath Nobody likes bad breath, especially when kissing! Certain foods, like garlic and onions, can leave lingering odors that are hard to shake. To ensure fresh breath, brush your teeth twice a day, including your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Using mouthwash or chewing sugar-free gum can also help freshen your breath. If bad breath persists despite your efforts, it may be time to schedule a visit with your Glen Ellyn dentist to rule out underlying causes.

Kissing can spread hundreds of germs, so be mindful of cold sores, flu symptoms, and your daily oral hygiene. Stay diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups to keep your mouth healthy.

For more tips on oral health or to schedule your next visit, contact Kerger Family Dental, your trusted Glen Ellyn dentist.

Kerger Family Dental
Phone: 630-984-4050
279 Roosevelt Road
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One Tool for Better Gum Health | Dr. Danielle Kerger DDS

Image
Dr. Danielle Kerger DDS and the team at Kerger Family Dental in Glen Ellyn emphasize the importance of preventing periodontal disease, which can manifest through symptoms like loose teeth, bad breath, and painful gums. Often, periodontal disease begins silently, making regular prevention crucial to avoid irreversible damage to teeth and gums. Flossing: An Effective Preventive Measure Dental floss is a simple yet powerful tool in preventing periodontal disease. This condition arises from plaque and bacterial buildup, which can lead to gum inflammation and deterioration of gum tissues if left unchecked. Even with diligent brushing twice daily for two minutes each session, flossing daily remains essential. Dental floss reaches into tight spaces and gaps between teeth where food debris, sugars, and acids accumulate throughout the day. Regular flossing helps remove these particles and maintain optimal oral hygiene. Facts about Flossing Despite its benefits, only 4...
Read more

Dental Care Tips While Traveling | Glen Ellyn IL Dentist

Image
Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, often disrupts our daily routines, including our oral health habits. At Kerger Family Dental in Glen Ellyn, IL, we understand the challenges of maintaining oral hygiene while on the go. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your teeth stay healthy while you travel: Pack Wisely When packing for your trip, make sure to include enough toothpaste and floss to last the duration of your stay. Travel-sized oral care products are convenient and take up less space in your luggage. Consider using disposable toothbrushes for shorter trips—they’re compact and come preloaded with toothpaste, making them ideal for one-day outings. Protect Your Toothbrush During your travels, your toothbrush may come into contact with various surfaces and germs. Use a toothbrush cover to shield the bristles from exposure to sinks or countertops in shared spaces like hotels or family homes. This simple step helps maintain the cleanliness of your toothb...
Read more

Protecting Your Smile During Exercise: Insights | Dentist in Glen Ellyn

Image
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health, but could it be putting your teeth at risk? Recent studies suggest that certain exercise and fitness habits may contribute to dental decay and tooth erosion. Here’s how exercise can affect your oral health and practical tips to safeguard your smile, brought to you by Kerger Family Dental, your trusted dentist in Glen Ellyn. Decreased Saliva Flow: Intense workouts often involve heavy mouth breathing, leading to reduced saliva production and dry mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in protecting teeth by neutralizing acids, remineralizing enamel, and fighting bacteria. To combat dry mouth and prevent decay, try breathing through your nose during exercise and stay hydrated with water before, during, and after your workout. Additionally, consider brushing your teeth before exercising to reduce bacterial buildup. Jaw Clenching: Many athletes clench their jaws, especially when lifting weights, which can lead to toot...
Read more