So you have a solid routine of brushing and flossing twice a day, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups, but what about the times when you’re at work? What can you do to keep your pearly whites pearly while you’re in the office throughout the day? We came up with a list of tips to make sure you’re being tooth-friendly, even when you’re away from home.
- Buy a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste, and a small floss container. Keep them in your purse or bag throughout the day, and take advantage of opportunities to spruce up your teeth. This will not only halt tooth decay, but have short-term benefits like freshening your breath, whitening your teeth by preventing stains, and getting embarrassing food particles out of your teeth!
- Rinse after eating and drinking. On your way back from lunch, grab a bottled water and give your teeth a quick rinse before continuing your work day. This is so easy to do, and takes just a moment after a snack or meal. If you don’t have a bathroom available, just take a drink of water and swish it around in your mouth before swallowing.
- When you do snack, snack healthy. Eating vegetables, nuts and cheese while forgoing candy and soda will keep you slim and your teeth decay-free. Also, crunchy foods, like apples or celery, stimulate saliva production while you eat them, which helps rinse your teeth clean of bacteria, and the high water content in these foods buffers their sugar content.
- Drink your coffee from a straw. Coffee and tea can stain your teeth if you drink them directly from a cup. While giving up your morning cup of joe may be too much to ask, consider drinking through a straw. It protects your teeth from stains and the wear on your enamel that acidic drinks cause. Be selective, though. Most regular straws break down and leach chemicals when immersed in hot drinks. Look for paper straws or other products that don’t break down in hot liquids.
Follow these tips to keep your teeth glistening, and don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly!
