Your La Porte Dentist Says: Take Care of Your Teeth at Work

When most of your day is spent at the office trying to complete half a dozen urgent tasks before noon or planning multiple meetings a week, dental hygiene is probably not very high on your list of priorities. Why should it? You brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening; that seems good enough, right? Most people don’t think about brushing at work, but when it comes to oral health, a little extra effort can save you a lot of trouble later. Here are some tips from your La Porte dentist that can keep your teeth happy and healthy while you’re typing that important memo.

Do You Have a Toothbrush at Your Desk?

Brushing your teeth at work may seem awkward, but it can be worth it when it comes to your health. Keep some oral health products at your desk or in your briefcase/purse. It’s usually recommended that you brush after meals (though if you eat an orange or anything acidic, you should wait at least 30 minutes to avoid damaging the enamel of the tooth). Alternatively, you may want to brush every 4 or 6 hours, though you should be careful not to brush more often than that.

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

It goes without saying that you should be drinking water throughout the day, but the side benefits are good for your mouth. Water helps decrease plaque buildup, which in turn can lower the risk of cavities; additionally, it can help prevent tooth stains. Keep a bottle at your desk and make sure you’re taking plenty of sips throughout the day.

Do You Have Any Sugarless Gum?

Sugarless gum can be surprisingly helpful in keeping your teeth clean; it can pull bits of food and bacteria away from your teeth, and if it’s sweetened with xylitol, it helps the flow of saliva to clean your teeth further. Be sure to keep some sticks handy at your desk.

Are You Eating Right at Work?

Those leftover desserts in the breakroom may be tempting, but you should always be wary of eating too many sugary snacks; not only can they damage your teeth, they can also cause painful canker sores. If you have a tendency to snack at work, bring some healthy foods such as apple slices or almonds to keep at your desk; it’s a simple way to keep control of what you eat even while at the office.

You should always make time to see your dentist in La Porte to make sure your teeth are thoroughly cared for, but in the meantime, changing just a few of your habits at work can go a long way towards maintaining a healthy smile. Remember: life doesn’t stop just because you’re at work, so give your teeth the same care you do at home.

About the Practice

At Region Dental, Drs. Daniel Berquist and Joseph Ornelas focus on forming trusting relationships with families to provide quality dental care over many years. They offer general preventive care as well as advanced restorative and cosmetic treatments, and they’re both constantly learning about new techniques and tools. To learn more about the practice, visit their website or call (219) 362-8980.