Eating junk food doesn’t just adversely affect your physical health. It can also impact your oral health and inhibit your dentist’s ability to provide quality dental care. This is primarily due to the large sugar content in most types of junk food. Even though you may not have a problem sticking to a healthy diet at home, many people find it more difficult to stay away from sugary and fattening foods in the workplace. Use these tips to strengthen your willpower.

4  Ways to Avoid Junk Food at Work

1. Bring Snacks From Home

One of the biggest problems with workplace snacking is that the temptations pop up anywhere you look. It’s difficult to stick to a proper dental care routine when your coworkers keep bowls of candy, cookies, and other sugary treats available. To resist these temptations, bring in your own snacks. Nuts, seeds, and freeze-dried fruits can be just as tasty, and they’re far better for you.

2. Watch How Much You Drink

The foods we eat aren’t the only cavity-promoting habits we fall prey to at work. Think about how frequently you reach for juice, soda, or sweetened coffee at work. Too many of these beverages can be significantly detrimental to your overall health, and they also promote tooth decay and gum disease. Get into the habit of drinking water instead—it’s far healthier and helps flush harmful bacteria out of your mouth. If you’re a caffeine junkie, try leaving the sugar out of the beverage entirely. It will get easier once you’re used to it.

3. Eat a Healthy & Small Lunch 

Another problem with poor eating habits in the workplace comes at lunch. The choices often revolve around selecting food from a vending machine or hitting up the nearest pizza joint. Instead, pack your lunches and ensure you’re choosing healthy foods.

Try adding different veggies, nuts, and seeds to your salad, or prep veggie dishes that can be heated up in a microwave at work. If you go to a fast-food restaurant with coworkers, opt for healthy options that will let you abide by your dentist’s dental care suggestions. Many places now offer premium salads, grilled chicken, and veggie burgers. Unless it’s a special occasion or a predetermined “cheat day,” skip dessert.

4. Take a Walk

Try to leave enough time on your lunch break to go for a walk around the building. In addition to helping you get some exercise each day, this will limit the time you have to eat. Similarly, take a short walk whenever you start feeling fatigued or stressed. This will help you recharge without compelling you to resort to the kind of snacking your dental care professional would advise against. 

Bradley M. Stewart, DMD is a family dentist providing dental care services to everyone in Olive Branch, MS, and throughout Desoto County. While regular brushing and flossing are important oral care practices, visiting a dentist regularly is equally vital. Regular checkups and cleanings can help the team spot problems before they become too severe. To learn more about Dr. Stewart and his compassionate staff, visit the practice’s website. To make an appointment, call (662) 893-5800.