Your workplace and your dental health

Dental care, Teeth, Peridontal disease, Work

The promotion of good dental and oral health is a national priority for health in Scotland. Dental/ oral health is not just a matter of encouraging people to brush their teeth regularly. Oral health is a key part of general health which people often forget. Teeth are used for smiling, eating, communicating and good oral health is more than just absence from toothache and gum disease.

Tooth decay (dental caries) affects adults as well as children. Some adults will have experienced toothache, which can be extremely debilitating and painful and can affect both work performance and attendance. However, much of dental decay can be avoided. The number of times sugar is eaten is more important than the amount that is taken. Trying to limit sugar intake, by taking it at mealtimes only, will help prevent tooth decay.

Gum (periodontal) disease is the most common problem which affects adults. Many adults don't realise that if their gums bleed when they are brushed they have got a problem. Early detection is vital and employees should be encouraged to attend for regular check-ups so that appropriate treatment by a dentist or hygienist can be commended. Once disease becomes established it can lead to lengthy and costly treatment.

Why should a workplace bother?

Many workplaces do not consider the promotion of dental/ oral health as a priority, however there are benefits for those who take action in this area:

management/employee relations can be improved by management's commitment to the health of employees
work attendance and performance may be enhanced if individuals have
good dental/ oral health is important when dealing with clients. It can make a good impression.

What can a workplace do?

Around 500 new cases of cancers in or associated with the oral cavity are diagnosed each year and about 230 deaths occur each year from these diseases. The most important risk factors which predispose to these cancers are cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. A combination of these two factors increases the risk even more. There are a number of ways in which an organisation can promote dental/ oral health. Healthy eating, smoking and alcohol initiatives can include action on dental/oral health. Some ideas are listed below.