Fresh Breath For Kissing? The 192 Top Answers

June 13, 2016

A healthy smile has been ranked as the physical trait most likely to attract a new partner, according to a new study conducted by leading health organization Oral Health Foundation.

More than two-thirds of respondents (69 percent) ranked it among the three most attractive attributes, in front of the eyes (64 percent), face (41 percent), and body shape (24 percent). The only attribute that received more votes than a smile was personality (71 percent).

dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, discussed what the findings could mean for our hopes of finding love.

dr Carter said: “I think it’s fair to say that our oral health is closely related to attraction and our chances of finding love. A nice smile seems to be a deciding factor in getting a second date or never getting a text back.

“Fortunately, for many people, maintaining a beautiful smile is relatively easy, so long as you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, cut down on sugary foods and drinks, and visit your dentist regularly, you should be able to.” be able to dazzle your date with your gorgeous natural smile.

The study, which is part of National Smile Month, a charity campaign to improve oral health in the UK, also found that bad breath is by far the most overwhelming trait that would put us off a potential partner. Bad breath was ranked as the worst culprit by nearly nine in ten people (86 percent).

Other oral health faux pas that surfaced in the high-ranking feeds included discolored or crooked teeth (54 percent) and food stuck between teeth (39 percent).

“When it comes to the dreaded bad breath, making sure you maintain good general oral health is the best way to prevent it. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free breath mints is also a very effective way to reduce bad breath. Doing this after eating or drinking can also protect your mouth as it produces saliva that helps fight acid attacks.”

POLO® Sugar Free Spokesperson, Proud Sponsor of National Smile Month, Laura Steer, POLO® Brand Manager, comments: “We are excited to support the Oral Health Foundation. Our newest member of the POLO Sugar Free family, POLO Sugar Free Extra Strong, is certified “tooth friendly” by the Oral Health Foundation. Made with refreshing natural mint oils to freshen your breath on the go, they may also help reduce the risk of tooth erosion.”

dr Carter continued, “If someone is experiencing persistent halitosis, they should see their dental team as soon as possible to make sure it isn’t a sign of a more serious underlying issue like gum disease or dry mouth.”

Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth, gums, and tongue. Also, bits of food caught between the teeth and on the tongue rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant odor.

“The survey suggests that men are the worst offenders when it comes to halitosis. In the battle of the sexes, men really need to brush up on their personal hygiene habits if they want to thrive in love,” added Dr. Carter added.

“A staggering nine in ten (88 percent) of women said this was a major problem and, in general, women place much more value on good oral health when it comes to being attractive.

“Nearly three quarters of women (74 percent) value a smile more than any other attribute, compared to 65 percent of men. Our smile is closely linked to our confidence and success, so it seems that women are looking for men with these qualities; I would advise all men out there to prioritize their oral health when looking for love; and make sure to check your breath.

“Encouragingly for the future, a smile is the only physical trait considered very important for all ages, another reason for children to take care of their teeth from a young age.”

The Oral Health Foundation released the research as part of National Smile Month, which runs through June 16. The campaign is the UK’s largest and longest-running charity campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of oral health and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

National Smile Month 2016 is supported by some of the country’s best-known brands and retailers. Wrigley’s Extra, Oral-B as platinum campaign sponsors, with further support from POLO® sugar-free and Philips Sonicare.

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We’ve all experienced a bad kiss at some point. Whether the person’s breath smelled like red onions or they were using way too much tongue, it’s an experience you’re unlikely to forget.

So how do you avoid becoming someone else’s bad kiss story? Here are a few tips on what to avoid on your next kiss.

There’s no denying that kissing is important in love and sex, especially since it’s usually one of the first forms of physical contact with a new partner. That’s also why a bad kiss can end things before they’ve really started.

In fact, a 2012 survey by the State University of New York at Albany found that the majority of people end a relationship because of a bad kiss, with 59% of men and 66% of women saying goodbye to someone after a kiss. not going as well as they had hoped. A 2014 Oxford University study suggests that kissing is a way for us to assess potential partners and maintain long-term relationships.

The effects of a great kiss can literally feel like a drug. This is because of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which is released while you lock lips with someone, leaving you craving for more. “Anything that causes us to release dopamine, we’re going to want to do it again,” love biologist and expert on the science of love, Dawn Maslar, M.S., tells Bustle. “But the high of oxytocin can be even stronger. This gives us the warm and fluffy feeling. It’s associated with love and safety [and] reduces anxiety.” That’s why we long for people who are great kissers and forget those who aren’t.

Of course, bad kissing is subjective, so so is learning how to be a good kisser. What makes a kiss good for one might not be for another. But in general, there are some small tweaks you can make to up your kissing game and make your smooches more steamy. Here are 21 expert-backed tips on becoming a better kisser.

1. Keep your lips moisturized

Eugenio Marongiu/Image Source/Getty Images

Have you ever tried kissing someone whose lips are cracked? It’s not great. So, prep your lips before a kiss by applying lip balm. If you don’t have one handy, drink some water or quickly wet your lips before leaning in and the kiss will be that much more comfortable. “Also, stay hydrated in general,” offers Carol Queen, Ph.D., sex educator and sexologist at Good Vibrations. “Don’t just wait for a kissing session until water runs off your lips! Staying well hydrated affects the overall softness of your lips and is good for you too.”

2. Avoid spicy foods before a kiss

If you know your chance of getting a kiss is high, consider skipping strong-smelling foods like garlic, raw onions, cabbage, broccoli, and excessive amounts of coffee and liquor — especially whiskey. Although these products are delicious, they can attack not only your mouth but also your stomach.

Bad breath isn’t always found on the tongue, but it’s also affected by food in your digestive system and bloodstream. While it’s not the end of the world, knowing your breath is fresh makes for a better kiss because you won’t hold back.

3. Have breath mints ready

You never know when a kiss might happen, so it’s a good idea to have mints or gum on hand. But let’s assume for the sake of argument that your roommate stole the last mint out of your pocket. In this case, lemon or ginger are good options. Citrus and fresh pungency can neutralize bad breath. If you’re in a restaurant, all you have to do is ask your waiter for a slice of lemon and add it to your water, or ask for a hot cup of ginger tea.

“Aniseed is another breath-freshening flavor if mint isn’t your favorite,” Queen tells Bustle. “Also, people carry a travel toothbrush or mouthwash for this very reason. If you brush your teeth [before] a kiss or a sexual experience, use a soft brush and be careful not to cause abrasions to the gums, which could facilitate the exchange of bacteria. If possible, Queen suggests brushing for about an hour before your mouth comes into physical contact with another person.

4. Follow your partner’s lead

Remember, compromise is involved—especially when you and your partner don’t have the same kissing technique. Not everyone kisses the same way, which is why it often comes down to meeting in the middle. So if you find yourself having different approaches, try letting your partner take the lead.

“This isn’t a power play — it’s a ‘learn your partner’s style’ maneuver,” says Queen. “You may have a chance to talk about it before you kiss — but often, kissing is a matter of the moment.”

5. Show the way when necessary

When things move in territory that isn’t your kissing scene, you can take the reins and lead the way. There’s nothing wrong with taking over kissing or showing someone what you like. “It’s also a way to express your agency if you don’t like something about your partner’s style that feels triggering or that doesn’t go in a comfortable direction for you overall,” Queen adds.

Some people are shy with their kisses while others have never really learned how to kiss. Think of it this way – by taking control (in a gentle and consensual way), you help your kissing partner experience the joy of the perfect kiss.

6. Remember that kissing is about more than just lips

A really great make out session involves the neck, earlobes, collarbone, cheeks and maybe some playful biting if everyone’s okay with it. It’s also about stopping occasionally and looking at each other or maybe even telling the other person how much you enjoy kissing them. “There are tender spots everywhere, and the pleasure of kissing can be even greater if you explore them — it’s also a nice technique to move away from your lips because then you can go back to them,” says Queen. “It becomes kind of teasing when you want it to be.”

Don’t be afraid to explore other parts of the face and body as long as you have your partner’s approval. “Tell your partner where to kiss next to your mouth,” offers sex coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure Amy Levine. “And learn what they like too. Noises, especially around the ears, can be particularly erotic.”

7. Find out about other erogenous zones

LumiNola/E+/Getty Images

While your lips are full of sensitive nerves, they’re not the only erogenous zones in this general area. Aside from the neck and earlobes, the shoulders and fingertips can also be arousing for some people. “Don’t forget the palm and the inside of the wrists and elbows — basically along the entire arm,” notes Queen. Erogenous zones love as much attention as possible, and touching and stimulating them will make your kiss that much better.

8. Don’t be afraid to say what you like

If the kiss doesn’t go well, don’t be afraid to say something about it. If your partner appreciates your input, they’ll definitely want to hear what you prefer. “There is no reason to take or give this as criticism,” says Queen. “People differ in what they like. The question is – can you find a style together that you both like? This conversation will not only improve your kissing. If you can talk honestly and comfortably about kissing styles, you can talk about many other things.

Also, be receptive to her input about your kissing. Sometimes your lips and tongue can only haggle so much before you just have to stop and talk about it. It will be a learning experience for both of you.

9. Talk about your favorite technique

True Story: Some people are more into lip kisses, while others prefer tongue kissing. The reason people kiss this way is either because they know all that or what they ultimately prefer. Anyway, it’s definitely something to talk about to get you on the same page. “If you two haven’t experienced both ways yet and found a preference, try this: first lips (which can get you used to the intimate contact of a kiss and warm you up), then more tongue,” Queen tells Bustle. “Find out if it’s more comfortable in that order, and if so, establish more specifics from there!”

10. Give each other positive feedback

Nothing encourages a kiss like telling each other, “You’re a great kisser.” However, if you can’t honestly say that, try to pinch in the positive feedback. In other words, give them a compliment, then a constructive criticism, and then another compliment. “This ‘sandwich’ feedback is super useful for any kind of sexual or even touch-based communication,” explains Queen. “Make the constructive criticism an ‘I’ statement so they don’t feel like they failed at kissing…in fact, you’re helping them kiss you better!” This softens the blow of a “mistake.” to point out while making it easier to overcome.

11. Kiss with your whole body

Passionate kisses require you to put your whole being into it, so try to show your body that you’re enjoying yourself by possibly stroking your partner’s hair, holding their face, or hugging them. “Physical touch and pressure (like holding, hugging [and] grasping) activate different nerve endings in different locations, and the result is often to build arousal and pleasure,” says Queen.

12. Don’t see it as a necessary step toward greater physical intimacy

For some, kissing is something you do before sex, but you don’t have to think of it that way exclusively. The act of kissing in itself is genuinely satisfying, but if you look at it as just foreplay, you’ll miss out on the satisfaction.

“Kissing in itself can be an intimate option for those who want to express their connection and share joy, but for some reason can’t or don’t want to move on to other activities,” Queen told Bustle. “You can always share that hot energy with another person.”

13. Be in the moment

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Try not to think of anyone or anything else. You won’t make the most of the moment if your mind wanders to places unrelated to the kiss, like the bills you have to pay or the problem that happened at work. Try to ground yourself by focusing on the feel of your partner’s lips on yours or other physical stimuli around you.

This technique is called “sensate focus” by sexologists and therapists, “and is an important way to reconnect with the physical experience,” says Queen. “If your mind wanders, consider kissing that person right now,” they share. “It could also indicate discomfort from another source, like stage fright or worry about where this might be going.”

14. Don’t compare your partner’s kissing techniques to previous partners

There’s no point in comparing your current partner’s kisses to those of your past. “A lot of people make the mistake of making comparisons like this, but sometimes it’s also based on the assumption that there’s a right way to kiss,” says Queen. “There are so many right ways! The question is whether it’s right for you and your partner.” While comparison doesn’t make you a bad person, it is an unfair way to approach physical intimacy. Not to mention it will pull you out of the moment, which will further distract the kiss.

15. Build excitement with a small PDA

PDA isn’t for everyone, but if you’re both into it, it can be fun to show a little affection in public. “This is an easy way to enjoy a little exhibitionism if showing off in front of others helps your arousal,” notes Queen, who has written an entire book on the subject. “Just think about whether there’s likely someone nearby who might be triggered by too much PDA — this may be more likely if your kissing style is ‘cellphone’ and looks particularly sexual.”

If you and your partner are comfortable with the idea of ​​the PDA, stealing a kiss on a sidewalk can add to the excitement. Just make sure you limit your kissing to appropriate settings only.

16. Get passionate

Passion is everything, especially when kissing. Remember that a hot kiss involves your whole body, so you might try pulling each other up, wandering your hands, and going to those erogenous zones.

To take it a step further, let yourself make noise when it feels good. Moans might be something you save for the bedroom, but they add to the sexiness and make for an even better kiss. Just be careful that this kind of passion can easily be interpreted as the first step to something further. Queen says this is a good time to share your boundaries with your partner. “Then, if they agree, have fun,” they say.

17. Don’t be afraid to be the initiator

If you want to kiss someone and they have let you know that they want to kiss you, feel free to ask them if you can. If you misread their signs and they politely tell you “no thanks,” then apologize.

When it works, the fact that you take control can really set the mood. It shows that you’re super into the person you’re kissing, and it makes the kiss more passionate. “It’s also a wonderful way to demonstrate that your erotic experience (even if it begins and ends with kisses) is consensual and desired,” Queen tells Bustle. “It’s a form of respect, and you might feel bolder knowing it’s not just up to you to read the moment.”

18. Have regular make-out sessions

Kiss often. Let your kisses linger and turn them into real smooch sessions. Practice makes perfect, and research shows that kissing is healthy AF (and fun, too)! “That’s definitely good advice for longer-term partners who don’t want the spark to die,” says Queen. “It’s so common to hear from people whose sexual connection has waned that they no longer kiss. So, keep kissing!”

19. Pay attention to your partner

It’s not necessarily about following your partner’s example, but rather noticing how they respond to a playful lip bite, ear nibble, neck kiss, or gentle tongue flick.

On the other hand, the same signs and signals will show you what they’re not into, allowing you to customize what you’re doing. For example, “Some people love hickeys, aka love bites, and wear them proudly,” says Queen. “Others are ashamed to have them – so it’s helpful to know how they happen so you can negotiate to prevent them if they’re not your thing.”

“This ability — being aware of your partner — will also make you a better lover and partner in general,” Queen adds. “Think of it as a form of emotional intelligence.” Basically, paying attention to the other person is what really makes a good kisser.

20. Close your eyes

Adene Sanchez/E+/Getty Images

When you tune out one sense, the other senses are amplified. Cover your eyes next time you eat pizza; You will see that it tastes even more amazing. Closing your eyes while kissing will also make it a lot better. “In addition, it can make a person shy to be face to face and so close,” Queen points out. “Eye contact can be wonderful, but sprinkle it into the experience and allow the closed-eye moments to give you space to immerse yourself in the sensation.”

21. Give a bad kiss a second chance

When you come across a bad kiss, you should give that person a second chance, especially if your date was otherwise good. While it’s true that a kiss can make or break a connection, it’s also a skill that can be practiced. “If you leave it at that one disappointing kiss, but haven’t done anything at all to communicate what you like and don’t like, you really haven’t given them a chance,” Queen says, adding that people don’t mind readers .

“If you’re communicating and they’re still a bad kisser (for you), at least you’ll know — and they may have even sent the message that they can’t or won’t take your feedback,” they say. “And that’s a reason to throw a fish back in the sea.” Openness makes someone a great kisser, and learning how to kiss better together can be so much fun.

Studies:

Hughes, S.M., Harrison, M.A., & Gallup, G.G., Jr. (2007). Gender Differences in Romantic Kissing Among College Students: An Evolutionary Perspective. Evolutionary Psychology, 5(3), 612-631. https://doi.org/10.1177/147470490700500310

Wlodarski, R. & Dunbar, R.I. (2014). What’s in a kiss? The effect of romantic kisses on mating desirability. Evolutionary psychology: an international journal of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behavior, 12(1), 178–199.

Experts:

Dawn Maslar, MS, expert on the science of love, love biologist, science writer, and associate professor at NOVA Southeastern University and Kaplan University

Carol Queen, Ph.D., Sexologist at Good Vibrations

Amy Levine, sex coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure

Years ago I dated a fun guy who lived on the Lower East Side. We were sitting in a restaurant waiting for our friends to arrive and he leaned in for a kiss. Luckily, I’d just put a piece of mint gum in it, so I was ready to snog. But then…

…he laughed and said, “Hello, Minty – you taste like a dentist’s office.”

foiled!

So my tip learned the hard way? Don’t eat breath mints or chew gum right before kissing, or you might taste too minty. Do it about thirty minutes before you go on a date (or expect a hickey), and then you’ll be perfectly kiss-ready.

Do you chew gum or eat mints before kissing? What kind do you like? (I used to be obsessed with dark blue extra. I literally had a habit of grabbing a pack every day…)

PS More about kissing:

It’s easy to improve your breath while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Try these simple steps to keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

1. Brush and floss more often. Plaque, the sticky buildup on your teeth, collects bacteria that cause bad breath. Trapped foods also contribute to the problem. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. If you’re concerned about your breath, do both a little more often. But don’t overdo it. If you brush too hard, you can wear down your teeth and make them prone to decay.

2. Rinse your mouth. A mouthwash not only freshens your breath, but also provides extra protection by eliminating bacteria. A fresh mint flavor can make you feel good. But make sure the mouthwash you choose kills the germs that cause bad breath. Don’t just mask the smell. Rinse daily with a good quality mouthwash and stop bad breath at the source. The ideal time to do this is before bed. You can also help your breath by rinsing your mouth out with clean water after eating. It can remove food particles stuck in your teeth.

3. Scratch your tongue. The plaque that normally forms on your tongue can be a host for smelly bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. If your brush is too big to comfortably reach the back of your tongue, try a scraper. “They’re specifically designed to apply even pressure to the surface of the tongue area. This removes bacteria, food particles, and dead cells that brushing alone can’t remove,” says hygienist Pamela L. Quinones, past president of American Dental Hygienists ‘Association.

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Nobody wants to have halitosis, also known as bad breath. Unfortunately, how to tell if your breath smells is harder than it seems — but there are ways. Read on to learn how to tell if you have bad breath so you can get bad breath under control.

Figuring out how to tell if your breath smells can be difficult, but luckily it’s not impossible. If you think you might have bad breath, don’t worry – there are many ways to prevent and treat it. The best way to avoid bad breath in the first place is of course good dental hygiene – but sometimes bad breath has mysterious causes, like diet or health issues, so don’t be too hard on yourself.