First impressions are everything. And according to a heavily cited national study that concept is heavily linked to the success rates social or romantic relationships. You may have a great wardrobe, shiny car, and even be climbing the ladder towards your dream job. But if your smile isn’t up to par, chances are potential romantic connections will fizzle out before they have a chance to catch a spark. In fact, according to data, almost one-third of Americans admit to noticing someone’s teeth before any other facial features, and almost 40% of adults wouldn’t consider a second date with someone who didn’t have a nice smile. Fortunately, there are a few effective dental tips to help ensure a perfect first date and hopefully many future adventures. And your New York City Cosmetic Dentist can be your perfect wingman.
Brush Up On Those Home Habits
Whether you’re being roped into a blind date, app hookup, or finally got the nerve to ask your co-worker crush out to dinner, chances are you won’t be seen again after dessert if you have grungy teeth. Brush up on those oral health habits by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. Rinse with mouthwash after flossing and between meals to keep foul breath and food odors away.
Book a Pre-Date with Your New York City Cosmetic Dentist
Regular dental visits are important for optimal oral health. But the recommended frequency of those visits depends on each patient’s individual dental health and the professional opinions of their dentist. If you haven’t had a recent checkup or if the need for one is approaching, consider rescheduling it prior to your first date. Your New York Cosmetic Dentist can discover potential problems you didn’t know existed, suggest more preventive dental care options, or even provide a whitening or treatment solution to boost your smile just in time for that special love connection.
Kick the Smoking Habit
Almost 38 million Americans smoke and approximately 20% of those end up with fatal smoking-related illnesses. Smoking isn’t just a bad habit for the smoker, it can also be a deal breaker for a potential romantic partner. Whether smoking cigarettes or vaping, the odors can affect breath and skin tone, discolor teeth, increase premature aging, and of course, lead to dental issues and several serious illnesses. Fortunately, most health issues are easily treated and even reversed if the habit’s kicked early enough.
Carefully Consider Your Dinner or Food Selections
That 24-ounce porterhouse steak, leafy green salad, or heavily spiced rum on the menu might have your stomach singing, but it could also leave your date scanning for the exit signs. The last thing a potentially good date needs is an excuse to end early, but a mouthful of meat, spinach between the teeth, or an overwhelming gust of pungent aroma heading into a lip lock can slam on the brakes. Put more thought into the outcome of your ordering decisions, drink plenty of water to rinse food away, and drink from a straw when possible to avoid unnecessary stains.
Remember to Smile
After all the efforts are in place to seal the deal, don’t forget to show your date those pearly whites. Keep eye contact, show real interest in the conversation, and smile. Your date will appreciate the confidence and it could go a long way towards ensuring future dates. Give your New York City Cosmetic Dentist a call to get the ball rolling on preparing for that perfect first date.