It is important to keep your mouth healthy throughout the day, even when you are at work. Having a busy schedule, barely fitting in lunch and running in between meetings makes it hard to think about having good oral hygiene. There are several ways to stay healthy at work with a clean and fresh smile.
Brush Your Teeth
More than 75% of people eat two times or more while they are at work however only 14% of employees brush while at work. Many people feel uncomfortable brushing their teeth in the workplace but think of the endless coffee, snacks and all the people you come face to face during your workday. A clean smile and fresh breath are essential to making a great impression. Having a clean, fresh mouth is seen to boosts confidence and people tend to not second doubt themselves when speaking up. It is also important to present yourself adequately in front of clients; you do not want to be the person who has food stuck in their teeth or dragon breath. A lot of workplaces actually require their employees to brush their teeth before they meet with a client.
We recommend you keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and a mug for transportation and to keep your items sterile in your workstation since it was found that people are 65% more likely to brush if they do this. We recommend you don’t brush right after but wait 30 minutes after eating, drinking coffee or soda so the acidity of the food neutralizes. If you are unable to brush your teeth while you are work follow the healthy mouth advice below.
Healthy Mouth Advice
Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash off the extra food off your teeth until you can brush them. Water helps neutralize acids and keep saliva levels high. Saliva contains proteins and minerals that act against the acids that harm your teeth enamel and help defeat tooth decay.
Travel-size mouthwash – Keep a travel size mouthwash at work to help you rinse away extra particles in the mouth that can cause bad breath, lodge in teeth and over time lead to tooth decay or cavities. 30 minutes after lunch or after drinking coffee go to the restroom and swish a few times. If you do not have mouthwash, you can do this with water.
Chewing Gum – Studies suggest chewing sugarless gum keeps the levels of bacteria in your mouth down. The physical act of chewing also increases the salivary flow that helps neutralize and wash away acids that are produced when food is broken down. We recommend you chew gum after eating to keep your mouth healthier, breath fresher and even enjoy whitening benefits.
Avoid Sugary Snacks and Candy – Avoid snacking on sugary snacks and candy at work. Instead, choose crunchy fruits and vegetables that can help scrub your teeth. Cheese is also a great snack because it can help fight cavities. Moreover, swap sodas and sugary drinks for healthier alternatives. Green tea is a great healthy switch that can actually fight tooth decay!
If you are constantly experiencing bad breath or in need of a cleaning come see us right away. We accept most PPO insurance plans, Medicaid, CHIP and offer patients with no insurance deep discounts on treatment through our Exclusive Dental Savings Plan and Price Match Guarantee.
