WHY ARE OFFICE WORKERS PRONE TO TOOTH DECAY AND GINGIVITIS?

✅ This article is reviewed by Dr. Phan Huu Quang - Dental Specialty at CarePlus International Clinics. 

🔶 According to internal statistics, oral health issues are the most prevalent among corporate employees undergoing periodic health check-ups at CarePlus. Specifically, in Q3 2024: 94% of employees were affected, in Q2 2024: 93%, and in Q1 2024: 84%. Among these, tooth decay and gingivitis are the most common issues. 

👉 To learn more about the causes of tooth decay and gingivitis among office workers and effective prevention methods, please refer to the article below. 

1/ Causes of Tooth Decay and Gingivitis Among Office Workers 

Office workers are more likely to experience oral health issues due to the nature of their work, which often involves frequent snacking habits and stress from work pressure. 

 ⛔ A survey from The Wrigley Oral Health Program in the UK also found that those who snack or have multiple meals throughout the day are at higher risk for oral health issues than those who stick to three regular meals per day. When you snack (on chips, candy, etc.) and consume sugary drinks (like milk tea, coffee, soda), you provide oral bacteria with “fuel” to produce acids that attack and erode tooth enamel, while also forming and accumulating plaque, which gradually leads to tooth decay. Notably, when office workers are in a high-intensity work mode or feeling fatigued, they often tend to consume sugary drinks and snacks for an energy boost, which subsequently affects their oral health. 

 ❗Additionally, work-related stress can lead to dry mouth due to decreased saliva production. Saliva not only helps clean the mouth but also contains enzymes that fight bacteria. When the mouth is dry, bacteria can thrive, leading to gum disease. Alongside this, prolonged stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as neglecting oral hygiene (like insufficient brushing or skipping flossing) or smoking to relieve stress. These factors increase the likelihood of gingivitis, and, over time, can even lead to periodontitis. 

 2/ How Tooth Decay and Gingivitis Affect Work Performance 

😔 Studies show that gingivitis and toothache not only cause physical discomfort but also impair cognitive abilities. Specifically, oral infections affect neural pathways, reducing focus and information processing capabilities. For instance, persistent tooth pain can distract attention, diminish thinking capacity, or hinder problem-solving skills, directly impacting your work progress and productivity. 

3/ Effective Prevention of Tooth Decay and Gingivitis 

To maintain oral health, doctors recommend the following steps: 

 🔸 Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use dental floss to remove accumulated plaque. 

 🔸 After snacking or drinking coffee, rinse your mouth or chew sugar-free gum. 

 🔸 Regularly schedule dental check-ups and scaling every 6-12 months to detect and address issues promptly. 

Additionally, those with wisdom teeth should consider early extraction to avoid complications such as decay, infections, or misalignment of the bite caused by wisdom teeth. 

 🔶 Just like maintaining overall health, oral hygiene requires consistent effort for lasting results. Skipping one brushing session or indulging in a snack occasionally may not harm your oral health immediately, but if such habits persist, tooth decay, gingivitis, or even more serious conditions will inevitably follow. 

✅ Maintaining good oral health is the foundation for a solid overall health, allowing you to focus confidently on your career and enjoy life. 

If you experience any oral discomfort, don’t hesitate to visit CarePlus to receive diagnosis and appropriate treatment from our dental specialists. 

👉 Contact our free hotline at 1800 6116 to book an appointment today! 

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group