When you think of risk factors for poor dental health, what comes to mind?  Not brushing enough , eating too much candy and avoiding the dentist might be on the list.  Here’s another one to add Your Job.  Some occupations have a negative impact on your teeth,  increasing your chances of  cavities.  At our office ,  Stephen R Ho DDS in Honolulu,   we find out what hidden risks your job might pose for your teeth and gums and what you can do about it.

Poor Working Hours

People that work night shifts tend not brush well or floss.  They come home tired and all they want to do is get to bed which is the worse thing you can do is leave plaque on your teeth while you are sleeping. Also,  people that have different schedules tend  not to get in a good routine since they are working some day and some nights.  For instance, pilots and nurses.

Dehydration

Did you know that dehydration leads to bad breath, tooth decay and even gum disease.  With up to 80% of American workers estimated to work at least slightly dehydrated, that’s not  a good situation for employees oral health.  You're particularly at risk if you work outside or do strenuous labor, but even desk workers should take care to consume enough water and electrolytes.

industries at risk:  construction, forestry, mining, agriculture, gardening, and landscaping , athletics, firefighting , military

Desk Jobs

People who sit at a desk are  more likely to have dental decay because of the habit of having coffee while they are working or sipping on there energy drink to keep them going.  Not to mention all the food or snacks that people bring to work and share with others. Day after day of doing the same thing will lead to problems eventually.

Smoking

A number of occupations have a higher-than -average ratio of smokers to nonsmokers. Whether your workplace offers additional breaks to smokers or you and your colleagues find a quick smoke the best way to release stress, you might want to reconsider your  daily cigarettes.  Not only is smoking one of the top risk factors for oral cancer, it also promotes bad breath, gum disease and cavities.

industries at risk:  mining, construction, food service, waste management , real estate, manufacturing, retail

Dental Injuries 

Whether from a fall , a misuse of equipment or workplace violence, dental injuries can pose  a threat in a wide range of industries.  Work -related dental injuries include chipped or cracked teeth, tooth loss and jaw trauma leading to temporomandibular disorders (TMJ).

Are you getting a lot cavities?  There could be more to it than not brushing or flossing .  Call us for an evaluation.  You can look at our website  www.StephenRHo. com.  or call us at (808) 949-4288. We are located in Waikiki at the heart of Honolulu.