What Good Dental Health Means For Your Bottom Line
What Good Dental Health Means For Your Bottom Line
May is “Employee Health and Fitness Month”, sponsored by the National Association for Healthy & Fitness and ACTIVE Life. Employers can assist/encourage their employees on the road to good health by providing an environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle and facilitates it with workplace tools and activities. When employees call in sick, deadlines are missed and opportunities are lost. And dental related ailments are a leading reason why workers miss work. Are you ready to take the plunge into workplace wellness at your office? Here are some things you can start doing today.
Encourage employees to brush and floss during work hours
Bacteria is constantly growing in your mouth and especially after eating. Encourage employees to keep toothbrushes and floss at their desks to use after lunch. Or better yet, provide disposable toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss in the company bathroom.
Provide healthy snacks in the break room
Some foods are worse for your teeth and general health than others. Sugary snacks, like candy and cookies, can lead to cavities, and acidic foods, like coffee and soda, can weaken your tooth’s enamel. Opt for snacks such as whole grains, nuts, and bananas which are easier on your teeth and better for your overall health.
Provide drinking water
Obviously drinking water is better for you and your teeth than soda or coffee, but tap water has the added benefit of fluoride, which inhibits tooth decay.
Provide access to smoking cessation programs
We are all aware that smoking has been identified as the cause of many serious health issues. But what is sometimes lesser known is the effect it has on your teeth and gums. Smoking can cause oral cancer, tooth loss and decay and gum disease. Quitting smoking is not an easy task. Provide tools and encouragement and consider starting a workplace support group to help employees quit.
While it is important to consider the impact your company has on your employees health throughout the whole year, the month of May is an ideal time to reevaluate what you’ve been doing and what more you can do. Consider implementing some of the above practices in your office this month!