Ten ways to a kiss-friendly mouth

Kissing plays an important role in dating and building a relationship. It is a crucial factor that helps partners decide if they are really attracted to each other.

For instance, imagine a perfect moment when you are about to lock lips with your dream partner -- and the odor of the dinner you had comes gushing forth, making you conscious and forcing you to shut your lips tight.

You can easily avoid such moments with a few simple precautions. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Always keep your lips well moisturized because they are the first to show signs of dryness. Go with petroleum jelly every night before sleeping.

Whatever relief you get by licking your lips is only temporary and, in fact, only makes them drier.

Dry and flaky lips are not just bad to look at; they could hurt as well.

And even if your partner forgoes that and kisses you, it could cut your lips and bleed. Apart from the risk of exchanging infections, it is certainly not a pleasant experience for kissers! 

While the idea of flossing is not exactly pleasant, it's just as important as brushing your teeth. Flossing can reach the bacteria, which the toothbrush misses out often.

The space in between your teeth is the perfect place for trapped food and bacteria, where they start to rot. And anything rotting anywhere is never good news -- especially not when you're kissing your partner.

If you're going out on a date, avoid having some of the more tasty but utterly pungent foods, particularly those containing garlic and onion, which can linger on your breath a little too long for comfort.

For example, if you're going out for dinner, choose pizza instead of tandoori chicken and seekh kebabs.

Using a mouthwash is a good way of cleaning deep, deep down.

Carry a small bottle around so you can gargle whenever required. A word of warning though -- it will only temporarily get rid of bad breath by masking it, unless you use an antiseptic mouthwash to work on the bacteria that lurk there.

Bad breath is often a sign that there is a problem with your gums that needs treatment. So, if you are brushing your teeth regularly and still have bad breath, it might be time to make an appointment with your dentist.

This is especially so, if you have a bad taste in your mouth, persistent bad breath, itchy or bleeding gums or loose teeth.

Oral hygiene is the main cause of bad breath, known as halitosis. It's amazing how many of us don't brush our teeth regularly -- at least twice a day, after meals.

Talk to your dentist about cleaning your teeth properly to ensure no bacteria are left behind.

Also, make sure your mouth smells good before you head for a date.

When you don't drink enough water, your mouth will feel dry and sticky. Drinking water will ensure that your mouth is moist and kissable.

Besides, drinking plenty of water helps wash down bacteria and reduce bad breath.

If you are a big tea or coffee drinker, you might also want to think about reducing the number of cups you drink each day; these beverages can dry your mouth and leave a lingering stale taste behind.

Caffeine also tends to yellow your teeth, which makes them look unattractive.

Apart from yellowing teeth, smoking can also leave a foul taste in your mouth.

It only takes another smoker to lean over and talk to you to remind you of how smoking influences the way your breath smells.

If you are one of those who combine coffee and cigarettes, you double the damage to your breath!

Common cold is often more annoying than painful, but remember, it's also the easiest illness to be passed. A cold is at its contagious best during the first three days.

So avoid kissing anyone then -- you don't want to sneeze in the middle of a kiss, or worse, get sneezed upon!

Remember these 10 tips and kiss with confidence!