V-day Beauty: Smile smarts!

* KISS PLAQUE AWAY… “Lucky for you, locking lips helps maintain a healthy smile by increasing saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural lubricant, slipping under plaque and washing it away,” says celebrity cosmetic dentist Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans.

 * KISS AWAY CALORIES… “Kissing burns 12 calories every 5 seconds, and 3 passionate kisses a day will lead to losing 1 lb. a month. In fact, kissing gets 30 facial muscles working,” offers Dr. Layliev, the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

 * CAVITIES ARE CONTAGIOUS… “That’s right; cavities are no different than a common cold. Yes, natural causes of cavities include bacteria, sugar, and not brushing, but you can increase risk of cavities by kissing someone who has no history of cavities based on the level of bacteria in their saliva. And the good news? You can also build up immunities to cavities by kissing someone who is more cavity-prone,” explains Dr. Golub-Evans.

* CHOCOLATE MAY KEEP THE DOC AWAY… “While chocolate does contain sugar, researchers have concluded the cocoa bean in chocolate will inhibit tooth decay. Having your teeth cleaned just before Valentine’s Day will set the stage for romance,” offers Dr. Mickey Bernstein, President of the AACD

* SHARING A TOOTHBRUSH… “If you’re locking lips with someone, then you’re swapping no more germs by sharing a toothbrush, so consider it safe,” says Dr. Mickey Bernstein.