Valentine’s Day is tomorrow – a day of romance, thoughtful gifts and, yes, lots of chocolate and candy. If you still haven’t come up with a special something for your significant other, don’t worry; we’re here to help with our top five favourite Valentine’s Day date ideas that are as sweet with far less sugar:
Just like candy, fruit may have some sugar in it, but it also has essential vitamins and antioxidants to keep your teeth strong, healthy and sparkling. Slice up some strawberries (a Valentine’s Day staple), apples, pears, grapes and cherries, and arrange them on a platter. Remember to make sure to sip water after every few bites to wash away any leftover acid.
If your partner is an unapologetic choco-holic, stick to dark chocolate over milk or white chocolate for dipping – dark chocolate contains helpful polyphenols that reduce inflammation and fight tooth decay-causing bacteria.
Valentine’s Day roses are so played out – level up your gift giving game by buying your loved one a bouquet of their favourite flowers (just make sure you get them right). That little bit of extra personalized thoughtfulness will go a long way towards making date night a success.
Don’t know what their favourite is? Take a page from floriography (aka the language of flowers). For centuries people have used flowers and other plants to send messages and is sometimes still used today; a red rose can mean “deep romantic love,” a jasmine “sweet love,” and a primrose “I can’t live without you.”
Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than a tantalizing home-cooked meal, especially one that helps keep your smile sparkling. If you’re looking for inspiration, our Instagram account is full of amazing recipe ideas and food suggestions – all of which heavily feature ingredients that promote a strong and healthy mouth, teeth and gums.
If neither of you feel like cooking and you’re brave enough to go out in the middle of our chilly Manitoba winters, why not have an extra special night on the town for two? Winnipeg is one of the best places in the country for finding excellent restaurants. Romantic restaurant staples like salmon (high in enamel-protecting phosphorus), leafy greens like spinach (rich with calcium, folic acid and other vitamins) and soft cheeses (easy on your teeth and packed with calcium) are as good for your teeth as they are delicious.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try out a new hobby with your Valentine. There are countless classes in Winnipeg that can teach you everything from pottery and painting to kickboxing and breakdancing. Tip: If you’re planning on partaking in any strenuous activity, bring a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated; it’s important for a healthy mouth and for fresh breath. Travel Manitoba also lists some awesome winter activities to check out!
If you can’t keep away from the sweet stuff this Valentine’s Day, we don’t blame you – just try to remember to rinse your mouth after having any chocolate or candy, brush twice a day, and keep on top of your regular six-month checkups and cleanings. Speaking of which, booking your next appointment is easy, use the orange “Book Online” button to schedule your next visit.
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Maybe it's time for your and your family's regular checkup and cleaning, you have a toothache or you need to get your treatment plan going - whatever the reason, we're here to help you get your confident smile. Whether you're a new patient or a returning friend, we can't wait to see you at your next appointment at either of our Winnipeg clinics!
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