Have you ever eaten a garlic-filled lunch and noticed your coworkers did not want to sit next to you in the afternoon meeting? Or perhaps you have given a presentation at work only to realize later that there was a small piece of food stuck between your teeth? According to a study conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry and Oral-B Laboratories, over three-fourths of Americans eat two or more times for day at work, but only 14% brush their teeth during work hours. Practicing good oral hygiene at work cannot only help you avoid potentially embarrassing scenarios but also help you maintain a healthy smile. Here are some tips from a dentist in Lincoln on how to care for your teeth at work.
Keep a Dental Hygiene Kit at Work
The Academy of General Dentistry and Oral-B Laboratories study mentioned above also found that leaving a toothbrush at the office increases the likelihood of brushing by 65%. Keeping a toothbrush at work may seem like basic advice, but it is difficult to keep your teeth clean if you do not have the right tools.
Store an extra dental kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in your desk drawer or buy some travel sizes for your purse or briefcase. Brush your teeth after eating lunch or even after your morning coffee to keep your mouth fresh and your teeth clean.
Avoid Sugary Snacks
From snacks in the break room to birthday cake for a coworker’s birthday celebration, temptation abounds in many work environments. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that feeds on sugar, so eating a lot of sweet snacks and other sugary foods can seriously damage your teeth.
The best way to resist the temptation to eat the extra piece of birthday cake or take a daily trip to the vending machine is to bring your own healthy snacks to work. Keep a bag of trail mix or a piece of fruit in your desk for when those afternoon cravings strike.
Additionally, if you prefer to chew gum while working, choose a sugar-free variety.
Stay Hydrated at the Office
Drinking plenty of water throughout the workday can be beneficial for your teeth. Tap water in most towns and cities contains fluoride, a mineral that protects teeth from tooth decay and helps prevent cavities. Try keeping a water bottle at your desk and filling it up periodically throughout the day. In addition to caring for your teeth, drinking plenty of water means you will never have to worry about dehydration!
No matter where you are – work, home, on vacation – it is important to care for your teeth. By following the simple dental care tips for work, you can help maintain a healthy and whole smile for many years to come.
About the Author
A proud member of both the American Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Association, Dr. Louis Olberding has offered exceptional dental care to patients in Lincoln and surrounding communities since 2003. He firmly believes that learning is a life-long pursuit, which is why he has successfully completed postgraduate courses at the prestigious Dawson Academy of Advanced Dentistry. For more oral care tips, Dr. Olberding can be reached through his website or by calling the office at 402-488-2325.