According to the Academy of General Dentistry, people who smile are more popular and more successful than their non-smiling peers. A healthy smile in the workplace can improve your appearance, confidence, and performance. In honor of Employee Health and Fitness Month, Dr. Pate would like to discuss how to keep your smile healthy on the job.

Brushing at the Office

More than three-quarters of professionals eat at their desk at least twice during the day. However, only 53% of women and 37% of men brush their teeth after eating at work. The Academy of General Dentistry suggests leaving an extra toothbrush at the office to increase your likelihood of brushing by about 65 percent. Research also shows that people who practice healthy hygiene behaviors are more motivated and more likely to pay attention to details, thereby improving work efficiency.

Snacking on the Job

Eating a mid-morning snack will keep your body healthier. Snacking can keep you full enough during the day so you can make better decisions. For example, if you’re starving at lunchtime, you’ll probably just choose the first meal you see—whether it’s healthy or not. Hunger can also impair your focus and concentration. Eating a mid-day snack, on the other hand, will keep your stomach from rumbling so you can make better food decisions during the day. Keep in mind that the more often you eat, the more opportunities you are giving your oral bacteria to feed, so be sure to rinse your mouth after snacking.

The Importance of a Beautiful Smile in the Workplace

It’s important to arrive at the office showered and well-groomed, but about 40 percent of people notice a smile before clothing and hair. In fact, 96 percent of people think that smiling can greatly improve a person’s appearance. A bright smile makes you look younger, enthusiastic, energetic, and friendlier. About 42% of employees admit that the least attractive feature about their colleagues is “not smiling,” while 32% of professionals are most disgusted by their co-workers’ bad breath. Furthermore, adults miss about 164 million hours of work each year due to dental troubles. Keeping your mouth healthy will improve your well-being and your attendance.

If you need help protecting your smile at home or at work, contact Dr. Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead at (404) 266-9424.  We welcome patients from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Lenox, Brookhaven, Atlanta, and surrounding communities.