We're all familiar with that 3 p.m. slump. When you hit the afternoon at work your brain gets fuzzy and it's hard to stay focused on what you're doing. To help get through the day, many of us reach for a sweet treat or a cup of strong coffee. However, your little energy boosters could be doing a lot of damage to your oral health.
Here's what you need to know about protecting your teeth while you're at work.
Snacking
Despite all the good intentions we all have, it's easy to fall into the trap of snacking on sweet stuff when in the office. Grabbing a muffin or a handful of lollies is so much easier and enticing than reaching for an apple – but beware! Sugary snacks can wreak havoc on your dental health, especially if you make a habit of eating chocolate as an afternoon pick-me-up.
The sugar can feed certain bacteria in your mouth, which can attack your teeth for as long as 20 minutes after eating. Most people don't take their toothbrush to work with them, so snacking on sweet things can mean prolonged exposure to cavity-causing bacteria.
Instead of giving in to your sugar cravings at work, try to choose healthier options such as nuts, apples or cheese.
Coffee
We Kiwis are a coffee-addicted nation and many people arrive at work clutching their daily caffeine fix with fervour. A coffee hit in the morning is a great way to wake up and start the day, but at what cost?
The dark pigments from coffee can get embedded in the ridges and and microscopic pits in your teeth, causing permanent yellow stains. The best way to prevent staining from coffee is to give up the beverage altogether, but kicking the habit isn't easy. Instead, you can try drinking your coffee at specific times in the day, rather than sipping it over an extended period. You can then rinse your mouth with water or give your teeth a quick scrub to get rid of the problematic pigments.
Another option for heavy coffee drinkers suffering from tooth staining is a professional tooth whitening treatment. This simple and straight procedure can restore your smile to its naturally white sparkle, so you can have your coffee and drink it too!
As part of a good oral care routine, you should have regular dental check ups. Book an appointment online to have yours with City Dentists today.