Kissy Kissy, Smoochie Smoochie

Here's something to chew on: What are the qualities you normally look for in someone of the opposite sex? Personality? Good looks? Money? Lots of money? Good kisser? How about a "clean" kisser? So, right now I'm going into the dental profession so I'm learning tons about teeth and such...very interesting stuff I must say. Well, I was chattin with a past dental assistant who relayed the following tidbit which I found quite intriguing. She was talking about how her dental hygienist friend who has had quite a few patients over the past years who have come in with amazing teeth, great gums, awesome breath....basically the ideal patients. However, they'd come back within the next little while riddled with oral nastiness. The drastic change was so sudden it was odd. Then the dental hygienist would ask the patient if he/she had recently entered a new relationship. The answer was always a resounding "yes." Case closed. Even though the patient had great oral hygiene habits, their new special someone's mouth was icky gross. The bacteria and mouth goobers had transferred between the lovely lovers. This story made me gag. Brush. Floss. Rinse. Repeat. PLEASE. I'm not 100% if cases like this actually happen because I haven't witnessed it first hand, but according to the what we're learning about the microbia of the mouth it sounds highly probable. Anyway, here's a few other fun facts on the related topic for your own enjoyment (or at least mine):

1. More than 500 microbial species are found in a human mouth.
2. Dental caries (cavities) is the #1 most common disease among children in the United States.
3. Plaque is the old school term for the now used term "dental biofilm"
4. If you aren't flossing, 35% of your teeth's surface is being left dirty.
5. The average adult has had 10+ cavities thus far in their life.