Oral hygiene is important. While the minimum recommendation is to brush your teeth twice a day (first thing in the morning and then again before bed), it never hurts to make an effort to keep your teeth during the day too. After all, you eat several meals and snacks in between brushing sessions.
If you’re like most Americans, you spend several hours a day at work, away from the comforts of your own bathroom.
Having a clean mouth and fresh breath at work can be beneficial not just your oral health, but your confidence as well. However, brushing your teeth at work may not be all that appealing. Here are a few discreet ways to keep your teeth clean.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum 30 minutes after a meal or beverage has several benefits for your mouth. First, it helps to freshen your breath. Second, chewing on gum stimulates saliva production. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria, containing enzymes that destroy them. It also neutralizes acids and helps to wash your mouth clean.
Pack Lunch Thoughtfully
What you eat can play a role in keeping your teeth clean. Certain foods, such as hard, crunchy fruits and vegetables (apples, pears, carrots, celery, etc.), scrape your teeth as you chew them, scrubbing away plaque and bacteria, without any extra added effort. Cheeses clean your teeth as well, and provide you with calcium. The extra chewing also stimulates saliva production, which, again, is important for destroying oral bacteria.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is good for your whole body, including the health of your mouth. Not only does it help keep you hydrated (which is important for all of the processes in your body, brain function, and staying energized), it also helps to wash away lingering food particles and bacteria. And, staying hydrated helps to keep your saliva flow strong.
Keeping your mouth clean at work can greatly improve your oral health. Contact our office if you have any questions about your oral health.