This week the calendar will roll around to February 14^th –  Valentine’s Day. If you have a significant other or sweetheart, let this be a reminder that you have until Saturday to think of some romantic or playful expression of affection. Perhaps you are without a certain someone with whom to exchange Valentines (remember those corny little cards we gave out in elementary school?). If you’ve wondered why you don’t have a Valentine,  perhaps it’s a reflection of the appearance and health of your smile. So says a recent survey by DentalPlans.com.

Bad Breath One Of  Top Three “Date Breakers”

According to the survey, bad breath and other oral health issues are among the top three dating “deal breakers.” Of those polled, 50% indicated that chronic bad breath was a non-starter when it came to new relationships. (Jealous stalking exes and unemployment were the only two criteria that trumped halitosis.) Additionally, almost a third of the more than 1,000 people questioned indicated that a person’s smile was the single most important facial feature. What can be gleaned from the survey and instill hope in those looking for love is that a great smile and fresh breath can help you connect with your soul mate.

So what can you do to improve your smile and improve your chances in the game of love?

Check Your Gums

The first thing to do is to make sure your gums are pink and healthy. Nothing distracts more from a smile than inflamed and swollen gums. If your teeth are beautiful but your gums are diseased, your smile is ruined. Roses may be red, but not healthy gums.

Whiten Your Teeth

There are many things that can be done to improve the appearance of your teeth. Whitening or dental bleaching is sometimes all that is needed to perk up your smile. This is especially true for people who have nicely shaped teeth but that are yellow in color. Tooth whitening often results in amazing smiles and is very economical when compared to other cosmetic dental procedures.

Reposition Your Teeth

Some people have beautiful teeth that are poorly aligned. Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, snaggletooth smiles, or narrow smiles all can be corrected orthodontically with traditional braces or Invisalign. Invisalign is a very popular treatment that uses a series of clear nearly invisible retainers to move teeth without unsightly metal braces. Proper tooth position that is harmonious with your lips and face can work like magic to create a beautiful smile.

Enhance Your Smile

Unlike the previous procedures, cosmetic dentistry involves the physical enhancement of the actual tooth or teeth. It is as much an art form as it is an exacting treatment discipline that can improve and enhance your appearance. From beautifying one single tooth to designing and creating a dazzling smile, cosmetic dentistry (sometimes referred to as aesthetic dentistry) utilizes a variety of techniques and materials such as bonding, porcelain veneers, ceramic crowns, porcelain crowns, porcelain onlays, and more. Many people find that cosmetic dentistry enhances their appearance more dramatically than plastic surgery.

So this Valentine’s Day, if you find yourself looking for love, perhaps “you are looking for love in all the wrong faces” and you need to look in the mirror and do a smile self-assessment. Then, call your dentist and schedule an appointment.

To see the survey, http://images.dentalplans.com/2015/infographics/infographic-BattleoftheSexes.pdf)

Michael Sinkin is a dentist in New York City. He loves being a dentist and is known throughout the city for taking wonderful care of his patients and for his wicked sense of humor. To contact Dr. Sinkin, link here