Have you ever had a quick snack at work that came back to haunt you for the rest of the day? Whether it’s bad breath, or a piece of popcorn stuck in your teeth, eating during your work day can sometimes leave annoying smells or food debris in your mouth. Thankfully, there’s some steps you can take to care for your teeth at work. That way, you’ll be ready for a delicious lunch or afternoon snack. Keep reading to learn some tips on how to maintain good oral healthcare in the workplace from your dentist in Upper Arlington.
Keep a Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss Nearby
Have spare oral healthcare products in your desk or personal bag. Keeping a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss nearby will be helpful after any snacks or meals throughout the day. If you feel embarrassed about bringing these supplies to work, remember you are keeping your teeth looking and feeling good. You may even want to pass on the advice to your coworkers.
Pre-strung floss picks are also great tools to have on hand to dislodge an irritating piece of food from in between your teeth. They are also much more discreet to use than regular dental floss—perfect for work!
Consciously Drink Water
Intentionally drinking water throughout the day can help your oral health in multiple ways. Most tap water contains fluoride, a natural cavity-fighting chemical that can strengthen and protect your tooth enamel. And, drinking water instead of soda or coffee will cut down on the stains and discoloration in your smile.
Water also prevents staining and plaque buildup because it naturally rinses your mouth out. Another way to keep your mouth rinsed of bacteria and acids is to chew sugar-free gum. This will stimulate saliva flow, which clears out some of the sugars and bacteria stuck to your teeth.
Watch Out for Office Junk Food
The office vending machines with chips and cookies can be tempting, but for your teeth’s sake, try to stick to foods without a lot of sugars and fats. Sugar helps bacteria in your mouth turn into acid, which eats away at your tooth’s protective enamel.
Your best option in avoiding the junk food trap is to bring your own healthy snacks. Keep some in your desk for when you get that unexpected hunger during your workday. This is not only good for your dental health, but for your overall health too.
Now that you know some tips on how to keep your smile healthy throughout the workday, you won’t have to worry about any bad breath or annoying food caught in your teeth. You can stay confident and focused on the task at hand!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Angela Courtney enjoys getting to know her patients to provide personalized care. She believes in a link between the look and feel of your smile with your self-confidence, which is why she likes to educate her patients on how to maintain good oral healthcare. She currently practices at Artistry Smile Center, and she can be contacted through her website or by phone at (614) 451-7393 for any questions.