Midtown Toronto, including right here at Yonge and Eglinton, is home to many remote workers who stay productive without having to travel to an office every day – if ever!
Although remote work was reserved for a relatively fortunate few several years ago, the pandemic greatly expanded the work-from-home trend. Even today, many people stay productive from the comfort of their own homes or at one of the many coffee shops or cafes in the neighbourhood.
However, there are several negative impacts of remote work, such as social isolation, excessive sedentary behaviour, and a potential decline in oral health. According to statistics, many people avoided the dentist during the pandemic, leading to a buildup of oral health problems.
Work-from-home-related dental problems can result from various factors, such as unhealthy eating habits, dehydration, and inconsistent oral hygiene routines, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and stained teeth. Increasing self-awareness about one’s appearance during video calls, known as the “Zoom smile,” has also grown, leading to questions about cosmetic dental solutions.
Five Ways Your Home Office Is Affecting Your Teeth
We have identified five significant areas where working from home can harm your oral health:
- Constant Snacking and Grazing
In the office, your at-desk snack options are often limited to what you brought from home. At home, however, your fridge and cupboards are just a few feet away, which can lead to irregular eating patterns or skipping meals altogether. Over time, this situation can contribute to an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn. Not only is this condition painful, but the acid has the potential to wear away the enamel of teeth, which can lead to a wide range of tooth problems, such as tooth decay and sensitivity.
An easy fix is to set designated meal times and water breaks to prevent the onset of GERD and help keep your teeth strong, clean, and healthy.
- Coffee and Tea Consumption Spikes
At home, there is no limit to how much coffee or tea you can drink. Whether you drink a few cups or a whole pot, the naturally occurring tannins in coffee and tea can leave yellowish stains on your teeth. The high acid content of these drinks can also erode your tooth enamel, increasing your risk of serious oral health problems.
The risk is still high when working in a local coffee shop, where you can enjoy multiple cups for hours at a time.
You can help minimize potential oral health damage by rinsing your mouth with water after drinking coffee or tea. This simple action will help wash away tannins and acids in your mouth. If your teeth are already stained, ask your dentist about in-office whitening treatments.
- Skipping Midday Oral Hygiene
When you work alone from home, you might not prioritize midday oral health routines that can fight bad breath, also known as halitosis. You may have had a hygiene routine when you were around others at the office, but at home, the rules can easily change.
Neglecting your midday oral health routine can lead to bacterial buildup, compromising the strength of your teeth and their ability to fight off decay.
Here are quick post-lunch dental hygiene tips that will help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible:
- Rinse your mouth vigorously with water to wash away food debris and acids
- Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks to avoid pushing the acid further into your enamel
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids, washes away food particles, and helps repair the early stages of enamel erosion
- Use dental floss or floss picks to remove trapped food between teeth
- Eat crunchy, “naturally cleansing” foods toward the end of your meal or as a snack that can help scrub your teeth as you chew
- Screen-Related Jaw Clenching and Grinding
Your posture when working on your own computer can also impact your dental health through a condition called tech neck. Leaning forward while using a home laptop strains neck muscles, which in turn pull the jaw out of its natural alignment, leading to discomfort and potential temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Keeping your screen at eye level can help reduce the risk of tech neck.
Additionally, grinding your teeth due to stress, known as bruxism, can have a detrimental effect on your smile. The grinding motion can wear down enamel or flatten the crowns of your teeth, potentially leading to chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Ask your dentist about a custom mouthpiece to help prevent tooth damage if you grind your teeth.
- Delayed Dental Appointments
Many people avoided the dentist during the pandemic due to public health concerns. Although this trend has now reversed, many people who work from home may still be in the same mindset, or have fallen out of the habit of seeing their dentist. They might also have a mentality of “I will go when I am back in the office” if their dentist is close to that location.
However, delaying visits to your dentist will only lead to worse dental health outcomes, including tooth sensitivity, cavities, gum issues, and more. Seeing your dentist regularly for cleaning, scaling, and treatment is paramount to maintaining a bright, healthy smile for every Zoom call.
Enjoy a Healthier Smile with our Midtown Toronto Dentists
The good news is that if you are a Midtown Toronto professional, Professional work-from-home dental care is right around the corner! Our team at Yonge Eglinton Dental is conveniently located on Yonge Street, just north of Eglinton Avenue, ensuring you get comprehensive dental care when you work from home. We are also open until 8:00 pm from Monday to Thursday for times when you need to travel to the office or attend a meeting that will bring you back to the neighbourhood late.
Call us today to make an appointment. Our dentists at Yonge and Eglinton are waiting to welcome you!
Enjoy a Healthy Smile for Every Zoom Call with Help from the Experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental
Contact our dental health team 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 Remote Work and Oral Health
Is it bad to drink coffee all day while working from home?
Drinking multiple cups of coffee can stain your teeth. Dentists recommend drinking coffee within 30 minutes and then rinsing with water.
Should I brush my teeth after lunch when working from home?
Yes, if possible! A quick midday brush can significantly reduce the risk of cavities.
Can working from home cause teeth grinding?
Absolutely. Many remote workers experience increased jaw clenching and teeth grinding due to poor ergonomics, longer screen time, and blurred work-life boundaries, which can create stress.
How often should I see a dentist if I work from home?
The standard recommendation of every 4-6 months for checkups and cleanings still applies regardless of where you work.
Does staring at a screen all day affect my oral health?
Indirectly, yes. Yes, extended screen time often leads to reduced blinking (dry eyes), mouth breathing (dry mouth), and unconscious jaw clenching.
Why do my teeth look worse on Zoom calls?
Zoom cameras and lighting can make teeth appear more yellow than they are in person. This “Zoom effect” has led to increased interest in professional teeth whitening and cosmetic treatments.
What is the best snack for working from home that will not harm my teeth?
Choose snacks that are low in sugar and do not stick to teeth, such as cheese, nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs.
