When you’ve been having a stressful day at work, it’s so easy to pour yourself another cup of coffee. However, it can feel extra difficult to avoid the snacks you love, especially if your employer has just introduced an old-school popcorn machine to the break room.
That doesn’t mean you have to accept the fate of worse oral health. There are many ways you can mitigate your exposure to junk foods and other cavity-causing snacks. Here are three tips worth considering from a dentist in Medford.
Stay Equipped to Practice Oral Care
It may sound strange at first, but there’s no reason not to have an extra toothbrush, box of floss and even toothpaste in your desk drawer. It’s typical for dentists to recommend brushing teeth and gums after a meal or every four to six hours to remove food debris. Food that gets stuck in between teeth is always more likely to increase tooth decay. Oral bacteria can easily latch onto food and begin eating it, which causes them to release plaque acids that break down enamel.
For some people, it’s impossible for them to work if a piece of food is stuck inside their teeth and rubbing against their gum tissue. If you have gaps in your smile, this is likely a very common problem. For a quick breath freshener, opt for small bottles of mouthwash. These don’t just only keep your breath fresh; they also work to strengthen enamel before you get home!
Drink Water Whenever You’re Thirsty
You’d be surprised how big of an issue drinking the daily amount of water is to most people. According to the National Academy of Medicine, the average adult male should be consuming at least 3.7 liters of water per day, while the average adult female should be drinking at least 2.7 liters.
The best advice a dentist can give you is to just drink water whenever you’re thirsty or when eating a meal. Water works to stimulate saliva production, so by drinking water throughout the day, you’re effectively keeping your mouth moist and reducing the risk of tooth decay. It’s also a great way to protect teeth if you don’t have toothpaste or mouthwash on hand. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help a great deal.
Ignore Free Junk Foods, Bring Your Own!
When you’re at work, you have to resist the potato chips in that vending machine or the free candy from the HR office. You’re only going to put yourself at higher risk after the fact. Instead, purchase fruits, vegetables and dairy products that work to scrub teeth and promote oral health. Not only will you save money on frivolous spending, but you’ll be doing your oral and overall health a favor.
Don’t be succumbed by junk food when you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease for life Schedule an appointment today to learn more oral care tips while in the workplace!
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino earned his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. On top of providing comprehensive care, he’s always recommending patients the best oral care products and diets that protect their teeth and gums for years to come. To learn more about his practice, feel free to contact him through his website.