We often take extra care at home to brush, floss, and avoid harmful foods and drinks that can cause damage to our teeth and gums. But do you think about your oral health while you are at work? These workplace no-nos can really take a toll on your oral health.
1. Using your teeth as tools
Don’t tear off a piece of tape with your teeth, rip open packaging with your inciscors or hold pins in your mouth. Using your teeth as tools can cause chipping, wear on the enamel, and introduce harmful bacteria to your mouth!
Instead, use scissors or other tools and save yourself a repair visit to the dentist.
2. Chewing on pens and pencils
Work can be stressful! Sometimes we feel the need to chew on things to release that anxiety. But chewing on hard items like pens or pencils can wear down the edges of your teeth, potentially causing a toothache and fractures.
Instead, snack on celery or carrot sticks until you lose the habit.
3. Your daily cuppa joe
Don’t nurse your latte throughout the day.
Why not? You’ll dry out your mouth, leading to bad breath and cavities. Plus, you’ll stain your teeth over time.
Instead, choose green tea for a caffeine boost. If you can’t go without coffee, skip the sugar and follow it with a glass of water.
4. Taking a smoke break
Don’t smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
Why not? Besides causing lung cancer, smoking also multiplies your risk of oral cancer, tooth loss, gum disease and even cavities. Even e-cigarettes, which still contain nicotine, can harm gum health.
Instead, ask your doctor for help quitting.
5. Leaving your toothbrush at home
Don’t wait till you get home to brush and floss.
Why not? Plaque starts forming on your teeth immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it is to remove.
Instead, keep a toothbrush, some toothpaste and a container of floss in your desk or bag to use after lunch.
Avoiding these five harmful work habits can improve your oral health and ensure that your visits to Beautiful Smiles Family Dental Center are focused on keeping your smile beautiful, not repairing accidental damage.
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At Beautiful Smiles Family Dental Center in Etters, Pennsylvania, Dr. Graver offers many techniques to keep your smile beautiful! We are always concerned about your comfort. Please call us if you have any questions about how our services may benefit you or someone you know.
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