Crowns and Bridges

Most of us have learned to brush and maybe even floss our teeth after breakfast and before bed, the absolute minimum that good oral health requires. But what happens to our teeth during the intervening 16 hours or so?

According to a recent survey conducted in the workplace, more than three quarters of respondents eat twice or more during the day, but only 14% brush their teeth every day at work. Although many respondents admitted they were overlooking oral care at the office, the majority ranked a smile as the first thing they noticed about a person at work! Even more telling is that 96% thought that a smile was very or somewhat important to a person's appearance, and another 32% cited bad breath as the least attractive trait of their co-workers.

Meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and sodas that most of us consume on the job dramatically increase the likelihood of tooth decay or gum disease. Here are some tips for office tooth care that could keep your smile healthy for many more years.

• Make sure you have an extra tooth brush and toothpaste at the office, rather than carrying one with you. This can increase the likelihood of your brushing during the day by 65%.
• Post a sticky note on your desk or computer at work as a reminder to brush your teeth after lunch.
• Make sure you brush right after lunch, before becoming absorbed in afternoon meetings or work.
• As a last resort, make sure you rinse out your mouth with water after meals and snacks. Chew sugarless gum for a few minutes as well.
• Let your toothbrush dry out after each use, and store it in a clean, dry travel container. Also, replace your office brush often - at least every three months - to prevent bacterial buildup.