The WFH (Working from Home) lifestyle has very much taken a hold on many of us here in Ireland for the past 11 months and having such easy access to a fridge and a cupboard full of treats not only affects your waistline, but ‘constant snacking’ can also increase your risk of tooth decay.
The general consensus is, the food that we snack on more than likely tends to be high in carbohydrates and sugar. These snacks provide an optimal acidic environment for bacteria to thrive on, causing a build up of tooth decay, if not treated.
Tips for preventing tooth decay as you WFH.
Minimising unnecessary snacking gives your mouth time to recover after each of your meals. The saliva in our mouths acts as a ‘protector’ by neutralizing acids and guarding our teeth from forming dental cavities.
Please wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush, especially if you have consumed acidic foods (ie; sugary snacks, fruit juices, fruits high in acid etc..). Brushing straight after a meal can cause damage to your teeth enamel.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help flush away any acid forming in your mouth.
As we know, brushing your teeth twice daily, using a fluoride toothpaste, is so important in preventing decay, and future oral health problems down the line. The WFH lifestyle can cause many people to delay the process of getting dressed and carrying out their morning oral health regime. Try to make a conscious effort to include your oral health regime in your post-work morning routine and you will feel the positive effects of it.
The stresses of working from home, Covid-19 restrictions, homeschooling the children etc.. can naturally have a negative impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing, which in turn causes many of us to reach for the bottle at the end of a hard day or hard week. Limiting your alcohol intake can have a positive impact on your oral health, as well as your mental and general health.
Try not to bring unhealthy snacks home. If they are not there, they cannot be consumed. A great tip would be to try and avoid shopping on an empty stomach as you are more likely to pop unwanted (processed and sugary) snacks into your trolley.
All of our plans are based on our Healthy Smiles approach, which promotes regular and sustained preventive care by providing 100% cover for examinations, cleanings, and x-rays.
Our Level 2 Healthy Smiles plans have additional cover with 70% cover for fillings, extractions and treatment of gum disease.
Our Level 3 Healthy Smiles plans have additional 60% cover for major treatment such as root canal treatment, crowns, inlays, onlays & veneers.
Our Level 4 Healthy Smiles plan has cover for orthodontic treatment, subject to terms and conditions.