Tips for Brushing Your Teeth at Work
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, even when you're busy at the office. Brushing your teeth at work allows you to freshen your breath and clean away food debris during the day. However, it also comes with some unique challenges. Follow these tips for effectively and discreetly brushing your teeth at the office.
Keep a Toothbrush and Toothpaste
First and foremost, you need to have a toothbrush and toothpaste available to brush at work. Keep a small toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste in your desk drawer or work bag. Some offices provide these supplies in the restroom as well.
Choose a compact manual or electric toothbrush that's easy to store at the office. Carry toothpaste with a tight sealing cap so it won't make a mess. Toothpaste tablets are also great portable options.
Find a Private Place
For privacy, brush your teeth in a restroom stall or single-occupancy restroom if available. Avoid brushing in front of the sinks or mirror where others can see.
If you have a private office, you may be able to brush discreetly in there as well. Otherwise, stick to areas off limits to others when brushing on the job.
Brush After Meals
Plan to brush about 20-30 minutes after eating to allow time for your saliva to neutralize acids and coat teeth. This prevents damage to enamel. Brushing right after eating can be harsh.
Set reminders on your work calendar, like "Brush teeth at 2pm" after lunch. Have mints, gum, or mouthwash on hand for freshening breath until you can brush.
Be Thorough
Don't rush - take at least 2 minutes to thoroughly brush all surfaces. Softly brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Brush your tongue to freshen breath.
Gently brush along the gumline and between teeth. Take care not to scrub too hard or irritate gums. Make sure to hit hard-to-reach molars and the back of your mouth.
Rinse and Spit
After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Spit into the toilet or sink drain.
Avoid spitting toothpaste remnants into office sinks, even if others aren't around. Thorough rinsing prevents toothpaste buildup on faucets.
Freshen Breath
Give your mouth a final freshening rinse with mouthwash if desired. Look for alcohol-free varieties to avoid drying the mouth. Chew gum or suck on a mint after brushing for extra fresh breath.
A quick brushing can get rid of coffee, food, and smoke smells. This keeps your breath pleasant for office interactions and meetings.
Store Your Toothbrush
After brushing, don't just toss your toothbrush in a bag or drawer. The bristles need to air dry to prevent bacteria growth. Stand it upright on a clean tissue or paper towel.
You can store it in a toothbrush case or stand. Some electric models come with special storage and drying units. Proper storage keeps your brush sanitary.
Clean Your Toothbrush
About once a week, sanitize your work toothbrush using a UV toothbrush sanitizer, hydrogen peroxide rinse, or mouthwash soak. This kills germs so they don't multiply.
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, sooner if the bristles look frayed. A worn brush won't clean as effectively. Mark replacement dates on your calendar.
Overcoming Brushing Challenges at Work
Brushing your teeth at the office does come with some unique difficulties. Here are tips for overcoming common obstacles:
Limited Supplies
If your office doesn't provide dental supplies, talk to management about making toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash available. This encourages employees to practice oral hygiene.
If that fails, have backup supplies in case yours run out. Leave an extra toothbrush and small toothpaste in your car or work bag.
Forgetting
It's easy to forget or skip brushing when you're busy working. Post reminders for yourself like Outlook calendar alerts, phone notifications, or post-it notes.
Keep your toothbrush and toothpaste visible on your desk or in a see-through bag as a visual reminder.
No Private Place
If the only restroom option is a shared space, ask your employer about making accommodations like converting a utility closet to a single restroom for hygiene tasks.
Portable folding privacy screens can also cordon off a section of the restroom temporarily. Or, brush in your car for privacy.
Time Constraints
Brush first thing in the morning at work before getting busy if you don't have time mid-day. Brush at your desk right before lunch or meetings.
Wake up 10 minutes earlier to allow time for a quick brushing session in the office restroom before coworkers arrive.
Judgement from Coworkers
Brush privately to avoid any unwanted attention from coworkers. Rinse away toothpaste remnants so others won't notice.
If comments do arise, politely explain you are brushing to practice good oral hygiene. Most will understand.
Benefits of Brushing at Work
Making oral care a routine part of your workday provides many benefits:
- Removes food debris from meals and snacks
- Eliminates bacteria that cause cavities and infection
- Freshens breath for meetings and presentations
- Prevents plaque buildup during the day
- Decreases tooth decay and gum disease risks
- Saves time in the morning and evening
- Brightens your smile for the rest of the workday
With the right strategies, it's simple to maintain your oral health even during busy work hours. Brush the recommended two times per day to keep your smile looking its best.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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