July 6 is International Kissing Day. Have you puckered up lately? Here are five reasons kissing is good for you – and for your dental health!
- You’ve heard the expression “plant a wet one?” Kissing generates saliva, which helps wash away the plaque in your mouth and harmful bacteria off your teeth. Tooth enamel, one of the hardest substances in our bodies, protects the inner layers of the teeth. Mineral salts in saliva assist in rebuilding the minerals in tooth enamel and help protect our teeth from erosion and cavities.
- Your beautiful smile. You didn’t suffer through those awkward pre-teen years in braces for nothing. Your smile is a wonderful welcome for a potential suitor and kissing partner.
- Kissing burns calories. According to Self magazine, kissing can burn two to six calories a minute. It may not be much, but every little bit helps in keeping your body healthy. Kissing also boosts immunity in your body.
- Locking lips lowers stress. Kissing is a great stress reliever. Researchers say kissing can boost your mood by raising levels of dopamine and oxytocin, natural chemicals in our bodies that calm us and make us feel good.
- You tighten your facial muscles. Who needs Botox? You use 30 muscles while kissing and it helps keep your cheeks tight.
So feel free to engage in nature’s cleansing process and share a kiss on International Kissing Day. Kissing’s not only good for your teeth – it’s fun too!
