Oral Health on the Job

When you’re at work, your oral health is probably not top of mind. Some jobs can have a substantial impact on your teeth – and not just due to repeated coffee refills! Here are a few professions that can wreak havoc on your teeth.

Seamstresses or tailors who hold pins and needles in their mouths run the risk of chipping their teeth. Similarly, woodworkers or carpenters with the habit of holding nails in their mouth could experience the same problem. A chipped tooth can be painful and may result in the need for dental work such as a root canal or a crown.[1]
 
Taste testers, chefs, and bakers are other careers that may impact oral health. Constantly testing food and drinks, especially those with large sugar content, can create a feeding ground for bacteria. Large populations of bacteria can produce enough acid to dissolve tooth enamel faster than the body can rebuild it.[2]
 
Of course, there are employees in all fields who have bad oral habits such as chewing on pens or pencils. Similar to a seamstress holding pins and needles, chewing on these objects can chip or even crack your teeth.[3]
 
To combat some of these on-the-job oral health problems, look for alternatives to your habits. Chewing sugar-free gum may keep pens and pencils out of your mouth, for example, while people who sew may have luck with a wristlet that holds pins and needles. Small changes like these can have a big impact on your dental health.