In 2009, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) helped launch National Dental Hygiene Month, which has been recognized annually in October since its inception. ADHA took these steps because it saw a need for people to focus more on preventative oral health. October may be the spooky season, but it’s also a time for raising awareness about the importance of preventative care – especially before enjoying the excesses of Halloween parties and bags full of treats. Dental hygiene may not always be top of mind for employees, but it plays a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. For companies that care about fostering a healthy, productive workforce, integrating dental care into wellness initiatives can provide significant benefits. And portable dental care, performed right in your office, offers a convenient way to treat your workforce without any excuses.
The Importance of Dental Hygiene in Overall Wellness
Most of us know that brushing and flossing help keep cavities and gum disease at bay. However, many are unaware of the deeper connection between oral health and overall well-being. Research has increasingly shown that the health of our mouths is linked to other serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor oral health can lead to bacterial infections that may cause systemic health issues, emphasizing the need for consistent preventative care.
Dental hygiene should be considered more than just a matter of aesthetics; it’s essential for maintaining good health. Ignoring dental problems not only leads to painful conditions but can also worsen chronic diseases. For company leaders, this underscores the importance of ensuring that employees have easy access to dental care to reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and lower healthcare costs.
The Role of Hygiene and Preventative Dental Care
Preventative dental care encompasses all the practices and treatments designed to promote good oral health and prevent future dental problems. The most common elements of preventative care include regular checkups, professional cleanings, oral hygiene education, and lifestyle recommendations. Preventative care is crucial because it helps identify potential issues early before they become serious (and costly) problems.
Regular Checkups
Biannual dental exams allow dentists to detect issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer in their earliest stages. Early detection often means easier and less expensive treatments. At Dentists on Demand, we bring these services directly to your workplace, removing the time barrier employees often face when scheduling dental visits.
Professional Cleanings
Even for people who brush and floss diligently, plaque can still build up in hard-to-reach areas, leading to tartar and gum disease. Professional cleanings, performed by a dental hygienist, help remove these deposits and prevent inflammation of the gums. Employees who receive regular cleanings tend to have healthier gums and fewer cavities.
Dental Hygiene Education
Many people are actually unaware of how to properly care for their teeth, whether that means using the right brushing technique or selecting the best type of toothpaste. Preventative dental care includes educating patients on proper hygiene habits, such as brushing for two minutes twice a day, using fluoride products, and avoiding foods that contribute to tooth decay.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Dentists often make recommendations related to diet, smoking cessation, and other lifestyle choices that impact oral health. Poor nutrition and habits like smoking or frequent snacking can accelerate dental problems. Preventative care provides the opportunity for patients to receive personalized advice on how to maintain good oral health in their everyday lives
Preventative Dental Care Saves Money
One of the most compelling reasons to promote preventative dental care among your workforce is the long-term savings it offers, both for employees and employers. Routine dental checkups and cleanings can prevent the need for more expensive restorative treatments down the line, such as fillings, root canals, or extractions. Preventative care also helps employees avoid dental emergencies, which are not only costly but can lead to extended time away from work.
Here’s a common example to consider. Treating gum disease in its early stages through regular cleanings can prevent it from advancing to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that may require surgery. Filling a small cavity is much cheaper than the cost of a root canal or extraction if that cavity is left untreated. By providing onsite preventative care, you’re helping your employees avoid these costly scenarios and saving money in the long run.
Investing in preventative dental care is an investment in the long-term health and productivity of the business and the workforce, especially from an insurance perspective. For self-funded plans, this translates into direct cost savings. For fully insured plans, it contributes to lower premium increases over time.
The Impact of Poor Dental Health on Workplace Productivity
Oral health problems are not just a personal issue—they have a direct impact on workplace productivity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. employers lose $45 billion in productivity each year because of untreated dental problems. When employees are dealing with toothaches, infections, or other oral health issues, they may be distracted or in pain, which negatively affects their performance.
Absenteeism can also increase when employees have to take time off work for emergency dental appointments or more extensive procedures that could have been prevented with routine care. For companies, this creates an additional layer of cost that could be mitigated by offering onsite dental services like those provided by Dentists on Demand.
By investing in your employees’ dental health through preventative care, you can reduce absenteeism, improve focus and performance, and create a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Making Preventative Dental Care Accessible: The Role of Dentists on Demand
One of the biggest obstacles to employees receiving adequate dental care is convenience. Many workers, especially those in high-demand roles, find it difficult to take time off for dental appointments. The time and effort required to schedule, travel to, and attend a dentist appointment can be a deterrent, especially if dental issues aren’t causing any immediate discomfort.
This is where Dentists on Demand comes in. We specialize in providing portable preventative dental care directly to businesses. By bringing dental professionals into the workplace, we make it easy and convenient for employees to receive the care they need without having to leave the office.
Our services include everything from routine checkups and cleanings to oral hygiene education. By offering these services at your company’s location, you remove the logistical barriers that often prevent employees from seeking care. Whether it’s a quick cleaning during lunch or a checkup between meetings, Dentists on Demand ensures that dental health fits seamlessly into your team’s busy schedules.
How HR Can Integrate Dental Care into Wellness Programs
Many companies already have robust wellness programs in place, offering everything from gym memberships to mental health support. However, oral health is often overlooked in these initiatives, despite its integral role in overall health. National Dental Hygiene Month is the perfect opportunity to add dental care to your wellness offerings. Here are a few ways HR departments can promote oral health in the workplace.
Onsite Dental Services
Partnering with Dentists on Demand allows you to offer employees the convenience of dental care without disrupting their workday. Regularly scheduled onsite visits for checkups and cleanings encourage employees to stay on top of their oral health and address any issues before they escalate.
Dental Hygiene Education
Host informational sessions or distribute materials that educate employees on the importance of dental hygiene and the connection between oral health and overall wellness. Topics could include proper brushing and flossing techniques, the effects of diet on oral health, and how to prevent common issues like cavities and gum disease.
Health Fairs
If your company hosts health fairs or wellness events, consider including a dental health booth or offering dental screenings as part of the event. This is an easy way to raise awareness and give employees the chance to ask questions or schedule follow-up appointments.
Incentivized Preventative Care
Offer incentives for employees who participate in regular dental checkups or follow recommended oral hygiene practices. This could be as simple as offering small rewards or recognition for those who complete dental visits or commit to better hygiene habits.
Include Dental in Health Benefits Packages
Make sure your company’s health benefits package includes comprehensive dental coverage that incentivizes preventative care. The more affordable and accessible dental services are, the more likely employees are to take advantage of them.
Simple Tips for Employees to Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
Bringing preventative dental care to the office is expedient and accessible. But sustaining oral hygiene is a routine that employees should practice every day. Provide your employees with practical advice they can incorporate into their daily routines. Here are some simple tips to share with your team.
- Brush Twice a Day: Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, is the cornerstone of good dental hygiene. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush to gently clean all surfaces of your teeth.
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline – areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Watch Your Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods, as they contribute to tooth decay. Encourage employees to opt for water instead of sugary beverages and to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium. Employers can help by choosing healthier snack options in the breakroom and cutting down on traditional staples like doughnuts.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly: Biannual dental checkups allow dentists to catch issues early and provide professional cleanings to maintain oral health. With Dentists on Demand, your employees don’t have to leave the office to stay on top of their care!
National Dental Hygiene Month is a great reminder of the importance of preventative care, not just for individual health but for the well-being of your entire workforce. By incorporating dental care into your company’s wellness program and making it more accessible through onsite services, you can help your team stay healthy, happy, and productive.
At Dentists on Demand, we’re committed to bringing quality dental care to your workplace. Our onsite services make it easy for employees to prioritize their dental health, leading to better outcomes for both their health and your company’s productivity. Before we get to the tricky issue of Halloween treats, let’s raise awareness and make preventative dental care a priority for your business. You can get started by scheduling a pop-up today. Or, get in touch with us to learn more about portable preventive dentistry.