How much time do you spend in an office each week?
Many Americans will spend about 2,000 hours each year working in an office setting. Office environments are typically restrictive in a lot of ways, but they also provide some amenities that make it easy to care for your teeth during the workday. Explore some of the ways you can enhance your smile in the office and consider which of them works best for you.
Dental Products That Are Worth Your Time
The right oral care products can make your daily dental care routine at the office a breeze. Items like travel toothbrushes and portable mouthwashes fit comfortably into your desk and can be perfect for freshening up your mouth on a tight schedule. Other products such as xylitol gum can help your teeth even as you work. Check out these oral care products and see which one might be perfect for your purse or desk drawer.
Xylitol Gum – Cleaning Your Teeth throughout the Workday
It may come as a shock that chewing gum can create legitimate benefits for your oral health, but thanks to the miracle sweetener known as xylitol, it’s the truth. Xylitol is a sweetener, yet it has the opposite effect on your teeth as sugar. Whether used in gum, mouthwash or as a sweetener added to food, xylitol has the effect of preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Keeping some xylitol gum nearby is a great way to keep your mouth free of bacteria while at the office.
Example to try: Spry Xylitol Gum – 100 ct Green Tea Flavored for $8.61
Compact Oral Irrigator – Clean Your Teeth With No Cords or Batteries
Perfect for getting a thorough cleaning of your gums and teeth at the office, a compact oral irrigator is an excellent way to take your oral health to the next level. An oral irrigator uses a jet of water to remove debris and plaque from your teeth and gums. With easy-to-use buttons and an ergonomic design, oral irrigators are often extremely portable and convenient for quickly using at the office. That’s especially true if you find one that doesn’t require cords or batteries.
Example to try: Compact Power Floss Whitening Flosser by Power Floss for $19.99
Top Quality Reusable Water Bottle – A Fresh and Classy Way to Hydrate
While you may not think of a water bottle as a dental tool, staying well hydrated and taking frequent sips of water are phenomenal things you can do for your teeth. If you’re someone who likes to snack throughout the workday, then this frequent consumption of water can help immensely for washing food particles from the teeth and ensuring that your mouth stays as fresh as possible. Water bottles can vary greatly, but investing in a high-quality water bottle can provide you with an excellent way to stay hydrated for many years to come.
Example to try: 23oz Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle by Miir for $29.95
Don’t Let the Workday Keep You From a Bright, Healthy Smile
Americans spend a lot of time at their jobs, and when we’re focused and busy, other important issues can fall by the wayside. With a little bit of planning and a few inexpensive purchases, you can set your smile up for success, even when putting in an 8-14 hour day at the office. Home care is great, but it’s no substitute for professional dental appointments, so be sure to contact Dr. Foust when it’s time for your biannual exam. We look forward to seeing your smile!