Consistent oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. Poor oral health habits can lead to many issues, including bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. However, with busy work schedules and long hours at the office, finding time for proper dental care can take time and effort.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Parkcrest Dental Group shares five quick and easy ways to keep up with your oral hygiene routine even when you’re busy working at the office.
1. Keep a Dental Care Kit at Your Workstation
One of the easiest ways to ensure you can maintain your oral hygiene routine while at work is by keeping a dental care kit at your workstation. This kit doesn’t have to be anything fancy or take up a lot of space. A small bag or container with travel-size toothpaste, a toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash is all you need.
Having these items close by will allow you to take quick breaks to clean your teeth after meals or snacks, reducing the chance of plaque buildup and tooth decay. Remember, it just takes a few minutes to take care of your teeth!
2. Snack Smart for Better Oral Health
What you eat during your workday can significantly impact your oral health. Consuming excessive sugary snacks or beverages can lead to cavities and other oral issues.
Choose tooth-friendly snacks like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cheese to mitigate this. Raw fruits and veggies like celery or apples are great to crunch on. Dairy products like cottage cheese, string cheese, or yogurt also contain calcium, which can benefit your teeth.
When looking for yogurt, make sure to find ones low in sugar. Try to avoid fruit juices since they may contain more sugar than whole fruits.
Related Post: Fruit Juice Versus Whole Fruit: Which Is Better for Your Teeth?
3. Avoid Acidic Drinks When Possible
Certain beverages like coffee, soda, and citrus juices may be your go-to during a busy workday, but these drinks are acidic. They can gradually eat away your tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth sensitivity.
Instead, consider opting for water, milk, or herbal teas, which are gentler on your teeth and have other health benefits. If you can’t resist your daily coffee or soda, try to consume these drinks during meals when saliva production is higher to help counteract the acidity.
4. Hydrate and Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Staying well-hydrated benefits your overall health in many ways, but also aids in maintaining good oral health. Consistently drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria after eating, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It also promotes saliva production, essential for neutralizing harmful acids in your mouth.
In addition to staying hydrated, consider chewing sugar-free gum. Chewing gum can increase saliva flow, helping to wash away harmful bacteria and food particles. Plus, many sugar-free gums contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that can help prevent cavities by fighting cavity-causing bacteria.
Related Post: All You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth and Their Removal
5. Brush After Meals
Making time to brush your teeth after meals is crucial in maintaining good oral health during a busy workday. It can be easy to skip brushing when you’re swamped with tasks, but remember, leaving food particles in your mouth can quickly lead to plaque buildup and cavities.
Take a few minutes after lunch or snacking to brush your teeth. Utilize your portable dental care kit to freshen up easily and effortlessly at a bathroom sink at the office. If brushing after every meal isn’t feasible due to your work demands, aim to brush at least twice a day, once in the morning before heading to work and once in the evening after dinner.
Oral Health With Parkcrest Dental Group
We provide general dentistry services, as well as pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in Springfield, MO. Visit us online to book an appointment, or call us at 417-887-1220.
