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Take Your Toothbrush to Work
The road to good dental health not only goes through the bathroom at home, but also through the restroom at work.
"More people should consider taking a toothbrush to work with them to brush during the day," says Astrid Schroetter, D.D.S., a general dentist. "Many people eat and drink at least three times during a typical workday. This snacking habit puts people at a high risk for developing bacterial plaque. If not brushed away, the bacterial plaque continues to multiply, exposing tooth enamel to continuous plaque acid which adheres to tooth enamel and can cause cavities and inflammation of gums."
As adults keep their teeth longer, says Dr. Schroetter, it is important to care for them to ensure they last a lifetime. "By brushing three times a day and flossing, you can cut your risk of developing cavities, gum irritation, gum disease and tooth loss," she says.
According to the 1993 Crest Complete Survey that measured the toothbrushing habits of 1,240 adults, 94 percent of Americans say they brush nightly; 81 percent reported brushing first thing in the morning. Most people said they brush several times a day, but only 30 percent brush their teeth after every meal. More women than men reported brushing before going out, and women are more likely to brush their teeth at work or in a restaurant restroom.
"Good teeth impact many aspects of life, including a person's professional image as a good smile makes a good first impression," says Dr. Schroetter. According to a study released by Oral-B® Laboratories, 40 percent of respondents said the first thing they notice about a co-worker is his or her smile.
"I think brushing after lunch is a concept that is definitely catching on," says Dr. Schroetter.
Dentists constantly tell their patients that they must brush twice a day and floss once a day, but there is no reason why a person cannot brush three or four times each day. I strongly recommend that people who want to maintain good oral health begin brushing their teeth after lunch. It's one of those ideas whose time has come."
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