You brush in the morning and before bedtime, but what about after lunch? It turns out the majority of Americans are neglecting daytime dental care even though they spend a third or more of every weekday at work.

"Meals, snacks and sugary beverages during the day contribute to a lot of plaque and can increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease," says Ted Taylor, DDS, a Delta dental consultant. "Brushing on the job definitely reduces bacteria."

Only 14 percent brush every day at work, according to a survey released by the Academy of General Dentistry and Oral-B Laboratories.

The survey also found that keeping an extra toothbrush at the office increases your likelihood of brushing at work by 65 percent. Here are some other tips to help make brushing at work a regular habit.

• Post a sticky note on your desk or computer as a reminder to brush your teeth after lunch.
• Brush your teeth right after lunch, before you become absorbed in work or meetings for the remainder of the afternoon.
• Always store your toothbrush in some type of travel container, making sure to dry the toothbrush after each use.
• Replace your workplace toothbrush more often than your toothbrush at home to avoid bacteria buildup.

Need another incentive to brush at work?

The survey found that one of the least attractive traits of co-workers is bad breath.

Courtesy of the Academy of General Dentistry (www.agd.org).

Back to preventive/general dental health

WDDICSTN047 05/07
© 2007 Delta Dental Insurance Company

The AARP Dental Insurance Plan is administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company. The plan is insured by Delta Dental Insurance Company in AK, AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, MT, NV, NY, PA, PR, TN, TX, UT, VI and WV (Policy DDIC1230), by Dentegra Insurance Company in AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, VA, WA, WI and WY (Policy DIC1230), and by Dentegra Insurance Company of New England in MA, NH and VT (Policy DICNE1230). Policy numbers may vary by state. AARP endorses the AARP Dental Insurance Plan. Delta Dental Insurance Company pays a fee to AARP and its affiliate for use of the AARP trademark and other services. Amounts paid are for general purposes of AARP and its members. AARP does not make dental plan recommendations for individuals. You are strongly encouraged to evaluate your needs before choosing a dental plan.