Planning a romantic Valentine's Day? Here are a few tips to ensure your breath is ready for a close-up with your sweetheart.

• Remember to brush! Before your date, floss and brush your teeth thoroughly, and include your tongue. Brushing your tongue can help remove bacteria that causes bad breath.
• Skip pungent foods. If sharing a meal with someone special is part of your Valentine's Day plan, avoid spicy foods and dishes that include onions or garlic. The unpleasant smell from these foods can linger in your mouth for hours after eating.
• Stay hydrated. A dry mouth leads to bad breath. Sip water to keep your saliva flowing. If your date includes dinner, drink water with your meal to prevent food particles from sticking to your teeth, gums and tongue.
• Chew sugarless gum. Keep your breath fresh with mint-flavored sugarless gum or mints. These can also keep your saliva flowing and help clean teeth after eating.

Don't let bad breath take the romance out of your Valentine's Day. Follow these tips and prepare to pucker up!