French kissing can leave you with chronic halitosis

For a first date, you'll probably want to freshen your breath, comb your hair, brush your teeth, wear a nice outfit and maybe wear a hint of cologne or perfume. After all, scientists agree that one of the most important venues of attraction is the sense of smell. But did you know that the end-of-the-night kiss your hoping for can give you chronic halitosis?

It's true. A report released by Annova estimated that a single French kiss can transmit 250 species of bacteria and more than 40,000 microscopic parasites. These numbers were based on research conducted in Sweden to determine if French kissing negatively affects dental health.

It certainly appears to. Scientists also found that when two people kiss with tongue, they swap "0.7 grams of protein, 0.45 grams of fat and 0.19 grams of other organic substances." The article does not specific what those "other" substances are, and frankly, we can't imagine many folks would want to find out.

Even enjoying a simple lip smack between two lovebirds can lead to chronic halitosis, as can swapping toothbrushes, trading forks, sharing a food item and (we're assuming) delivering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The problem is that any oral contact can transmit the bacteria that cause bad breath.

However, you shouldn't have to give up French kissing (or CPR, for that matter) just because it leads to microbe-swapping. Instead, consider rinsing with a specialty breath fershening rinse before and after a date.

That way you arrive with fresh breath and don't wind up with chronic halitosis.

Likewise, consider bringing all-natural, oxygenating breath mints or lozenges in your purse or pocket. These can clear up garlic breath in a jiffy and leave your mouth clean and kissable.