I came across an article on MSN.com titled How to be a Better Kisser. Some of the points offer great advice, and it made me wish I knew a few of those moves back when kissing well really mattered. It's amazing how much a kiss can betray: your confidence, your expertise, and (yeesh) your personal hygiene. All in all, some pretty important factors in the eventual success or demise of your budding romance, no?

If there's one downside to being in a long-term relationship, it's not having the thrill of the First Kiss. The tingly feeling you get when you're moments away from liplock and your eyes are flirting shamelessly...

Unfortunately, there's always the risk that it could go sideways. My first boyfriend tried to slip me a little tongue early on, and not being ready for it I was a little grossed out. It kind of set the mood for the next few weeks before I broke things off. I couldn't get over it, even though I knew I was being immature. The fact that I was crushing on his friend probably didn't help matters.

My friend's first kiss didn't go so well either, but they wrote it off to needing more practice. Years later, they are married and two of the happiest people I know. So does it come down to smooching success or destiny?

The best way to help things along, shy of repeat visits to the broom closet during Spin the Bottle, is to prep your pucker before engaging the target.

*Whiten your teeth

Nothing turns me off more than coffee or nicotine-stained teeth. Shallow? Yes, I'll cop to that. Head over to the drugstore and buy a pack of Whitestrips, fella. Stop procrastinating with those semi-annual trips to the dentist too, while you're at it.

*Smooth, soft lips

While I don't mind the scratch of a sexy 5 o'clock shadow, my lips like a nice soft landing. I'm sure the feeling is mutual, so don't forget to exfoliate your lips gently each night with your toothbrush. Apply a natural lip balm (my personal fave is from Aveeno or Burt's Bees) in the hours leading up to your date to keep your lips moist and kissably soft.

*Opt for neutral breath

While I giggled along with everyone else during Adrien Brody's 2004 Oscar night breath freshener incident (a spoof on the previous year's on-stage snog with Halle Barry), it is totally uncool to whip out the breath mist moments before landing. Ensure your breath is neutral simply by avoiding spicy foods during dinner. When you excuse yourself to visit the restroom, swish your mouth thoroughly with water and double-check to make sure you don't have something lurking between your teeth.

*Save the stage makeup for Halloween

I have yet to meet the man who doesn't mind walking around with your lipstick smeared all over his mouth. Make certain the lipstick or gloss you choose that day is sheer and long wearing. Goofy as it sounds, practice kissing the back of your hand with your lips made up to see which of your products leave that telltale print. Flavored glosses are also a no-no. Just because you like tasting watermelon is no guarantee he will.

*Lose the gum

Not only is chewing ferociously on a stick of Dentyne vaguely classless, that gum-swapping thing you did in 8th grade isn't cool when you're all grown up. Find a moment to discreetly dispose of your cud, preferably well beforehand.

How was your first kiss? Does the success of a first kiss make a difference (even a small one) in how the relationship proceeds?