3 Ways That Office Workers Can Protect Their Dental Health
Posted on: 11 July 2017
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Studies have shown that office workers are at a higher risk of developing oral health issues when compared to other types of employees. A primary reason for this is the fact that sugary snacks and coffee or tea are always at hand. While it can be nice to sit down with a cup of sweet tea and a piece of cake at your desk, it could be putting your dental health at risk. If you work in an office, below is a guide to 3 things you can do to protect your teeth and gums.
Drink plenty of water
While coffee or tea can be a great way to give yourself a boost when you are working on a very boring report or preparing for a presentation, they will also stain your teeth. Alternatives such as cola or fruit juice contain high levels of sugar which will soften the protective coating of enamel on your teeth and provide food for bacteria to grow. You should try to switch your daily cup of coffee or orange juice for a glass of cold water. Water doesn't contain any sugar, won't stain your teeth and will help to wash away any debris or plaque which has built up on the surface of your teeth.
Bring a packed lunch
While the office canteen or local cafe may be a convenient option when you need to grab a spot of lunch, it is unlikely that the menu is prepared with your dental health in mind. Foods such as curry and beetroot can stain your teeth, while sticky puddings will cause sugar to stick to the surface of your teeth, leading to decay. You should consider taking control by bringing a packed lunch with you to the office. You should pack dental-friendly foods such as carrot sticks, hummus, nuts and crackers, which are low in sugar and high in nutrients.
Chew gum
Regular snacks can have a detrimental impact on your oral health. You can resist the urge to snack on a surgery treat by investing in a pack of sugar-free chewing gum. Whenever you feel like popping to the office kitchen, you should instead pop a stick of gum into your mouth. The chewing action will trick your brain into thinking you are eating food while also triggering the production of saliva, which will help to neutralise any bacteria in your mouth and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you would like further advice, you should contact your dentist today.