Brushing Teeth at Work: Yay or Nay?

We’ve recently stumbled across a debate about whether or not you should brush your teeth at work. Some people consider it weird to walk into the office restroom and find co-workers with a mouth full of toothpaste. Others think it’s better to brush than plague the cubicles with stinky breath. At my Middletown and Kettering dental offices, we think brushing at work is smart and we highly encourage it.

The Importance of a Brushing Break

We hope that brushing in the morning and at night is part of your daily routine, but brushing at work, specifically after lunch, is just as important to maintaining a healthy smile. Why? After we eat, tiny pieces of food particles can linger around, and if left there can cause serious dental problems like decay or gum disease. Brushing after all meals, including your morning bowl of cereal, lunch, and after dinner, is key to preventing these concerns.

Help Your Smile, Help Your Job

Another interesting thing about the importance of brushing at work is that it can help your career. No, it won’t be the reason behind your promotion, but it may boost how others perceive you and keep your co-workers happy.

A study conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry and Oral-B actually dug into eating and brushing habits while at the office and how a healthy smile affects others.

The researchers surveyed 1,000 people and their answers support brushing at work.

The Results

• 75% of respondents ate twice or more while at work
• Of those, only 14% brushed their teeth
• Interestingly enough, 32% said bad breath is the worst habit of co-workers
• And 40% cited the smile as the first thing they notice about fellow employees

Help your smile say the right thing about you by getting into the habit of brushing after each and every meal — including lunch and snacks at work. Pair this routine with regular visits to my dental office in Middletown or Kettering, and you’ve found the best way to ensure you have a great, healthy smile free from bad breath that will keep you and your co-workers happy.

Serving patients from Middletown, Franklin, Springboro, Kettering, Beavercreek, Centerville, and Oakwood.