Busy professionals are constantly on the go. Between meetings, travel time and important pitches to other companies and stakeholders, finding the time to keep your mouth healthy is challenging. But as a professional, your smile (and even your breath!) makes an impression on your clients. Prioritizing your oral health is crucial, even when rushing through the workday. Below, the Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry experts explore seven oral care tips to keep your smile healthy and help you make the best impression – even on the go!
7 Oral Care Strategies You Don’t Want to Miss
Prioritize a healthy, balanced diet.
Poor nutrition can be detrimental to oral health. A poor diet lacks essential nutrients to maintain strong teeth and gums. Missing key vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D and vitamin C can weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, diets high in sugary and acidic foods and beverages can promote tooth decay. Poor nutrition can also compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections, including those that affect the mouth. A balanced and nutritious diet is crucial to preserving oral health. Next time you’re out on a work lunch, opt for a salad and water instead of a burger and soda!
Quit smoking.
One of the best things you can do for oral health is quit tobacco products. Not only does tobacco stain and yellow your teeth – it also increases your risk of oropharyngeal cancers. Smoking also causes dry mouth and halitosis (bad breath), which can make a bad impression on other professionals and clients. Many local and state health departments offer free smoking cessation programs to help you quit tobacco products.
Take advantage of travel toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Busy professionals often face tight schedules and on-the-go demands that make it challenging to prioritize oral health. Travel toothbrushes can be a convenient solution to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Compact and portable toothbrushes are easy to carry in a briefcase or purse, enabling quick routines during breaks or after meals. Keep a travel toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste on hand to easily brush away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities, even during a busy workday.
Limit coffee consumption.
Busy professionals often rely on caffeine to get through their days. Unfortunately, coffee can harm teeth due to its acidic nature and enamel-staining qualities. The acidity of coffee can erode tooth enamel over time, making teeth more vulnerable to cavities and sensitivity. Additionally, coffee’s dark pigments can stain the surface of teeth, leading to discoloration. Although adding sugar or sweeteners can contribute to tooth decay, even black coffee without added sugars can harm oral health. Drink coffee in moderation and practice good oral hygiene to mitigate these effects. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee to help minimize its potential harm to your teeth.
Make time for dental appointments.
Experts recommend visiting your dentist twice annually. In addition to cleanings and plaque removal, routine dental visits ensure your dentist catches oral health concerns and provides treatment before they become problems. Luckily, a routine visit every six months is easy to schedule well in advance. Look for appointments on weekdays at times when you are less busy, then add these appointments to your work calendar and block out travel time. You can also look for a dental office with late and weekend appointments. At Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer both evening and Saturday appointments that fit your busy schedule.
Get in physical activity whenever you can.
It can be challenging to exercise an hour daily as a busy professional. However, physical activity is essential for decreasing inflammation and staying healthy, which improves oral health. If you can’t get to the gym every day, add in exercise and physical activity whenever you can. Take 10-minute breaks to walk around the office, walk to your favorite local lunch spot and invest in a standing desk. Challenge yourself to stand for virtual meetings or while designing your stellar pitch deck.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Treasured Smiles Adult and Cosmetic Dentistry offers appointments that fit your busy schedule. Request an appointment on a Saturday or an evening weekday after work. Even busy professionals like you can attain a beautiful, healthy smile!