Have you ever considered that dental care habits can also affect relationships? Well, they certainly can!

Tooth decay and bad breath can not only ruin a romantic moment but also negatively impact close relationships in the long run. According to dental hygienist Eszter Ferenczi, proper oral hygiene is essential not only for our health but also for our social connections.

Dental care and dating – an unexpected connection?

At first glance, it may seem like an unusual pairing, but there is a strong link between the two. Oral hygiene often plays a crucial role in human relationships, as first impressions can be decisive.

“When two people meet, they first look into each other’s eyes, and then, when introducing themselves, they instinctively glance at each other’s lips and teeth. The sight of decayed, plaque-covered, or missing teeth can send a message that a person does not take care of themselves, their surroundings, or even their relationships,” highlighted Eszter Ferenczi, dental hygienist, founder of Dental Rituals, and expert at Oclean. “Many people are aware of this and pay attention to proper dental care. Before an important meeting, just as one would choose a nice outfit, style their hair, or apply makeup, brushing their teeth should not be overlooked. Keeping minty chewing gum, breath mints, or freshening tablets in your bag can also help ensure pleasant breath. This is particularly important in cultures where greeting friends, acquaintances, or relatives with a kiss on both cheeks is common. In such close proximity, it’s impossible not to notice the other person’s breath, which can strongly influence our perception of them,” Ferenczi continued.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Selecting the right toothbrush is a crucial part of an oral care routine, as using the wrong tool can make brushing ineffective. Both manual brushing and sonic toothbrushes effectively clean teeth when following the Bass method, but sonic toothbrushes offer an advantage due to their high-frequency vibrations, which help remove more plaque and debris than manual brushing. This rapid movement can also clean areas that are easily missed with a manual toothbrush.

“A common issue among patients is that they don’t know how to use a manual toothbrush properly, which is why I often recommend switching to a sonic toothbrush. This tool breaks down and loosens plaque, thoroughly cleaning the teeth. In fact, many patients have seen a significant reduction in tartar buildup after switching to a sonic toothbrush,” explained Ferenczi.

From a hygiene perspective, she strongly advises against sharing toothbrushes, even between partners. She also disapproves of parents cleaning a baby’s pacifier by putting it in their own mouth.

“The oral cavity is home to billions of bacteria, and no two people have identical oral flora. Digestion begins in the mouth, and some diseases may even originate there. Proper oral hygiene is essential not only for maintaining a strong immune system but also for overall health,” she emphasized.