The general rule of thumb for brushing your teeth is to do it twice a day for 2 minutes, and floss at least once before you go to bed. While plenty of people adhere to this practice, there is something to be said for incorporating additional cleaning opportunities throughout the day. If you work outside the home, it can be helpful to learn why you should keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss at your desk.
Your Colleagues Will Appreciate Your Fresher Breath
Confidence is key in a professional setting, so if you want to maintain the kind of smile that makes a good impression, practice good oral hygiene at work. Brushing after a coffee break or lunch can eliminate foul odors that might keep others at a distance. This is especially true if you are required to meet with clients.
Don’t hesitate to keep a small bottle of mouthwash at your desk, too, as this can reduce bad breath and bacteria, giving your mouth the boost of freshness it needs.
Your Smile Deserves Proper Protection
You expose your teeth and gums to a lot of bacteria and food debris throughout the day. When it’s allowed to sit there until bedtime, bacteria accumulate and begin eating away at your tooth enamel and targeting your tissues.
Instead of risking your teeth and gums, take a break and give your smile the protection it needs. Brushing and flossing at work removes harmful particles that can negatively affect your oral health and lead to cavities and gum disease. When you take the time to eliminate harmful bacteria, you give your smile a better chance to thrive.
Your Desire to Snack Becomes Less
If you are prone to snacking while at work but worry how it might affect your overall health, start practicing good oral hygiene habits instead. Instead of reaching for a piece of candy at the receptionist’s desk, or going to the staff kitchen for a pastry or dessert one of your colleagues brought, grab your oral hygiene kit and give your smile a positive boost.
Sugar- and carb-filled foods only wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, but brushing with fluoride toothpaste combats decay and strengthens enamel against bad bacteria. Adding time for flossing improves your chances of avoiding gum disease, which can be a serious problem for your mouth and body if left untreated.
There are many things you can do while on your break at work. Spend those 10-15 minutes taking care of your smile. Not only will you be happy with the results, but so will your colleagues and clients.
About the Author
Want to make sure your oral health is in the best possible shape? Dr. Monica Boehmer and her team are here to help you develop positive hygiene habits to prevent cavities and gum disease. If you are brushing and flossing for the recommended amount of time each day, consider bringing your routine to work and giving your smile a midday boost. Contact us at (505) 271-8009 to schedule an appointment if you would like to discuss this further with Dr. Boehmer.