Let us face it: part of living, working, and travelling in a large, vibrant city like Toronto often means spending time commuting on the TTC. It is estimated that approximately 2.56 million people use the TTC on the average workday – an incredible number of people who spend 1 – 2 hours daily in close proximity to one another.
Although oral hygiene is critical to having healthy teeth and gums, it is also essential to the people around you when using buses, subways, and streetcars. However, early mornings, late nights, and rushed routines may cause one to sometimes neglect their oral health routine. Add the culture of morning coffee and “eating on the go”, and you will be creating a commute experience that nobody enjoys.
In this week’s blog, we explore the importance of maintaining fresh breath and good oral hygiene when riding the rails of the TTC.
4 Common Dental Mistakes Made During Rush Hour
We all know what it is like to be in a rush, and many people commonly are in a hurry on weekday mornings. Frantically getting up and out the door to catch a bus or train can sometimes cause us to miss our daily brushing routine.
Here are four dental mistakes commuters often make during rush hour.
- Skipping Morning Brushing to Catch the Train
It is never a pleasure to be on the receiving end of someone’s morning breath. However, when you neglect to brush your teeth before leaving your house, that is precisely what you will be sharing with everyone close to you.
Morning breath occurs because the production and flow of saliva significantly decrease during sleep, which limits the mouth’s natural self-cleaning mechanism. This creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria can multiply undisturbed overnight, resulting in bad breath when you wake up.
Even worse is neglecting to brush your teeth and then drinking a cup of coffee. Coffee can dry your mouth out even further, leading to a “deadly” combination of odours that will get everyone else’s day off to an unpleasant start.
This is why brushing with toothpaste for two minutes in the morning is not only critical to your oral health, but also crucial to not offending others on your way to work.
- Subway Snacking and Grazing
Even if you brush your teeth before leaving the house, you might be tempted to grab a quick breakfast sandwich to enjoy during your commute. Breakfast sandwiches sometimes contain spicy ingredients used to “wake you up”, leaving a strong-smelling odour behind.
On-the-go lattes often contain high amounts of sugar that can stick to your teeth and lead to cavities. Lattes and other coffee drinks can also stain your teeth, affecting your bright, white smile, or lead to acid reflux if you drink it on an empty stomach. This acid can attack the enamel on your teeth, putting you at risk of tooth decay.
You can prevent damage from breakfast sandwiches, lattes, and coffee by rinsing your mouth as soon as you can and flossing to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth.
- Chewing Gum as a Brushing Substitute
If you feel you do not have time to brush your teeth in the morning, you might be tempted to grab a stick of gum to help mask your morning breath. While it is true that chewing gum can trigger saliva production, which can help wash away some odour-causing bacteria, it is only a temporary fix that cannot replace actual brushing.
Chewing gum that contains sugar can also worsen your oral health, especially if you do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth when you get to the office.
Opt for sugar-free gum or look for gum that contains xylitol, which is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol used frequently as a sweetener. It also offers many oral health benefits, such as cavity protection, plaque reduction, and increased saliva flow.
- Becoming Dehydrated on Public Transit
It is often a good idea to carry a bottle of water when commuting on transit. Long TTC journeys can be dehydrating, especially if your commute is extended by a system delay, which sometimes happens on the TTC!
Dehydration will lead to dry mouth, a condition in which your body’s saliva production is halted. Odour-causing bacteria thrive in a dry mouth, leading to bad breath and potentially tooth decay. Drinking coffee can worsen dehydration, so it is best to sip water while riding to work to keep your mouth clean and bacteria-free.
Enjoy Better TTC Commuter Oral Health with these Portable Items
Before leaving the house, be sure to pack the following items you can use to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy whenever you are away from home.
- Travel toothbrush and mini toothpaste
- Sugar-free gum or gum containing xylitol
- Floss picks or interdental brushes
- Reusable water bottle
Of course, you should never brush or floss on the transit system. Pop into the bathroom when you get to work for a quick cleanup before starting your workday.
Are You a Busy Professional? Get Dental Tips from Our Team of Oral Care Professionals
The best time to book your next appointment with Yonge Eglinton Dental is anytime!
Our dental office is conveniently located just one block north of the Yonge-Eglinton subway station. Whether you need an appointment before or after work, or over your lunch break, we will welcome you into our office for professional dental care. We can also provide helpful advice that will help you protect your oral health, even when you are rushed in the morning.
If you do not live in our neighbourhood, the TTC allows two-hour transfers, so you can pop in for a quick cleaning and then jump back on the train to continue your journey without paying extra fare.
Book an appointment with our office today – we are here to help!
Maintain Fresh Breath and Optimal Oral Health on the TTC with Help from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Health for Commuters
Is it okay to skip brushing if I am running late for the TTC?
No, but it is better to brush quickly than not at all. Even 60 seconds of brushing removes bacteria and protects your teeth.
Can I brush my teeth at work without being awkward?
Absolutely! Many professionals brush after their morning commute or lunch. It shows you care about personal hygiene.
What is the best on-the-go breakfast for my teeth?
Choose options low in sugar that do not stick to teeth, such as cheese or nuts. Avoid sugary pastries, sticky granola bars, and acidic juices.
Does chewing gum really help between brushing?
Yes! Sugar-free gum or gum with xylitol stimulates saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth and neutralizes acids.
How can I keep my breath fresh during my commute?
Drink water regularly, chew sugar-free gum, avoid strong-smelling foods, and brush your tongue after you brush your teeth.
Should I drink coffee before or after brushing my teeth?
Ideally, brush before drinking coffee. Rinse with water immediately after coffee to minimize staining and exposure to acids.
What if I do not have time to pack an oral hygiene kit?
At a minimum, keep sugar-free gum and a water bottle with you. Many stores near subway stations sell disposable toothbrushes.
