Whether you’ve been on just a few dates or you’ve been married to your sweetheart for years, Valentine’s Day has granted us all the moral obligation to step up our romantic game. Come February 14th, men everywhere are frantically buying flowers, chocolates, jewelry, or booking last-minute dinner reservations – all to impress that special lady in their life.
Unfortunately, even with all the elaborate plans and gifts, a lot of people forget the most important part of the night: the kiss. Even if everything goes right on a Valentine’s date, a poorly planned kiss can put quite a damper on the romantic mood. To ensure the most memorable evening possible, we’ve gathered some of the top things to do to make your kiss count this Valentine’s Day.
1. Warm up
A great way to prepare your lips for a good kiss is to warm them up by smiling often. Smiling throughout the date will not only help alleviate any nervous tension for you, but it will put your significant other at ease as well. Plus, studies have shown that those who smile often are more successful in many areas of life compared to those who don’t. Why not put the odds in your favor?
2. Practice makes perfect
If you’ve ever heard of the 90/10 rule, you know that at the end of the date, in order to get that perfect kiss, the man should lean in 90 percent, and his date should meet his lips with the remaining 10. This tactic is not overtly forward, yet forward enough to let the lady know exactly what he’s after. It works like a charm. That is… unless he has terrible breath.
A mint will surely help disguise that garlic broccoli dish you just enjoyed, but taking care of your oral hygiene on a regular basis will set you up for success in the long-term. Be sure to brush your teeth twice daily (and once more before the date for good measure). Floss regularly, and visit your dentist every six months to lower your chances for chronic bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and causing your damsel to faint when she’s in close proximity to your mouth.
3. Don’t be shy
If you’re embarrassed about the way your smile looks, you shouldn’t cover it up with a napkin or clench your lips together. Kiss or no kiss – if you begin a relationship with something to hide, it’s a recipe for disaster. There are so many procedures available that can give you the most confident, charming smile that no doubt will lead to the perfect kiss – as well as many subsequent perfect kisses! Here are a few of the most popular treatments at my practice:
Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the appearance of your smile overall. Zoom!™ is offered in-office for same-day results that can make your teeth appear up to eight shades whiter. We also offer customized bleaching trays for patients to take home. Results can be seen within a couple of weeks of continued use.
Bonding: Dental bonding can repair any cracks or chips in the teeth. The procedure is quick and painless, and many patients are surprised at how much their smile and overall confidence improve when even a small area is corrected.
Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers can do what teeth whitening and bonding can, plus much more. Thin sheets of porcelain are applied over the teeth to mask discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and crooked teeth. They are usually applied to the front upper teeth that show when you smile. When it comes to impressing your one-and-only, these are the teeth that count the most!
If you are interested in one or more of the many dental services offered at our Beverly Hills practice, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin B. Sands. Call (310) 273-0111 today, or fill out our online contact form for more information.