As Valentine's Day rolls round many lucky lovebirds will be preparing gifts, cards, and kisses for their significant other. Whether it's a first date or your 60th wedding anniversary, kissing is a universal symbol that a couple is loved up.
Behind the romance of a sweet peck on the lips, kissing is actually kind of gross when you think about it for too long. All that saliva swapping and the fear of bad breath, you'd be forgiven for thinking maybe it's not the healthiest of activities.
Dr Alan Clarke, lead dentist and clinical director for Paste Dental, thinks kissing this Valentine's Day could be beneficial to not only your relationship and mood - but also your teeth.
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"Kissing, particularly passionate kissing, promotes the production of saliva, which in turn keeps your mouth, teeth and gums health" said Dr Clarke. "This stimulated saliva neutralises the acid attack from the work of cariogenic bacteria, protecting dental enamel.
"The extra saliva washes bacteria off the surface of your teeth, flushes away food particles and helps protect your teeth from cavities."
While the science doesn't sound the sexiest, kissing could also help boost your immune system thanks to that bacteria swapping saliva.
Dr Clarke said: "80 per cent of your salivary bacteria is common to everyone, only 20 per cent is unique to you. Thus kissing stimulates your body to create antibodies, offering future help fighting against harmful infections."
However, he also warned against kissing anyone who is unwell as you're likely to catch their illness, especially if they have an active cold sore around their mouth.
Kissing is not a replacement for a strict brushing and flossing routine either as poor oral bacteria could pass to your partner, making both of you susceptible to gum disease.
Gum disease and cold sores aren't the only risk when it comes to locking lips with a partner, bad breath is the stuff of nightmares for potential pecks. This can be caused by everything from smoking to medication but Dr Clarke has a few tips on how to help lessen halitosis.
"Firstly, it's so vital that your oral health is on point, with gum disease, cavities, and any oral causes addressed," said Dr Clarke. "Drinking plenty of water is key to rinse out bacteria and other particles or debris leading to bad breath.
"Quitting smoking or the use of tobacco products is vital, this will also remove tooth staining and provide a catalogue of wider health benefits, as most people know!"
If the problem persists or worsens, Dr Clarke advises to go to your GP to discuss underlying health causes or systemic disease.
Even if you've had your morning coffee, it might be worth grabbing some mouthwash or a pack of mints, which Dr Clarke says should be sugar free. These can instantly freshen up your breath with minimal effort, making for a much happier Valentine and more kisses for you.
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