Dental health is vital for everyone, but it’s especially critical for entrepreneurs and employees. Dental health can affect a business owner’s relationship with potential clients and business partners. Dental health also affects employees’ productivity. Without good dental health, people can’t do their best work. Read on to find out how studies prove these and what entrepreneurs must do about it.
Studies on the Impact of Poor Dental Health on Businesses
AXA PPP healthcare did a survey among 613 senior decision-makers in small and medium-scale enterprises. Among them, 48 percent stated that poor dental health or dental hygiene in a person would negatively affect their willingness to do business with that person.
According to AXA PPP, entrepreneurs would also benefit from their employees’ good dental hygiene. Employees who smile readily are appreciated by customers. They also help create a positive environment in the workplace. Furthermore, employees with good dental health will not be distracted by toothaches. They will not be absent for urgent dental appointments.
A 2017 study at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University highlighted the results of previous studies showing the impact of poor dental health in the workplace. The most common dental issues were caries or tooth decay and periodontal disease. The latter increases the risk of death from myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes. Also, periodontal disease was associated with employees’ psychological stress from their workload.
The study recommended that workplaces schedule regular free dental checkups for employees, including instructions on how to maintain dental health. Prevention of periodontal disease improves dental health and the employees’ general physical health.
Entrepreneurs Need to Model Good Dental Health for Their Employees
While entrepreneurs need to encourage their employees to maintain good dental health, it’s just as crucial for entrepreneurs themselves to model good dental hygiene habits. This is also important to project a professional image to business partners and clients.
It would be such a waste to lose a business deal just because of bad breath from poor dental hygiene or loss of credibility due to poor dental health. Potential clients may be reluctant to trust a person who cannot take good care of his own teeth.
So, what can entrepreneurs do to improve their dental health and the dental health of their employees? For starters, brush and floss twice a day, eat a balanced diet, and visit the dentist regularly. If dental problems had already set in, it is necessary to address these as soon as possible to prevent them from worsening.
If the dental problem affects appearance, that must also be fixed. A dentist can attach teeth veneers on badly chipped or discolored teeth. Missing teeth can be replaced by tooth implants. Misaligned teeth can be corrected with clear braces that do not look juvenile.
Tips on What Entrepreneurs Can Do for Employees’ Dental Health
Entrepreneurs can ensure that their employees have good dental health with the following practices.
Encourage Brushing and Flossing
Entrepreneurs can encourage employees to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Brushing teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash help remove plaque from teeth.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar build-up can cause gum disease, which leads to tooth loss. Toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride help prevent tooth decay by strengthening teeth against bacteria.
Entrepreneurs must educate employees on the importance of good dental health. They can provide employees with a water flosser and an electric toothbrush as part of their benefits.
Make Dental Checkups Part of Employees’ Benefits
Including dental checkups in employees’ benefits helps ensure that they go for regular dental checkups. Dentists can detect and treat problems early before they become serious.
Some employers also offer dental insurance plans that cover the cost of dental procedures.
Encourage Healthy Eating
A balanced diet is essential for good health, including dental health. Encouraging employees to eat healthy foods helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. These provide the nutrients needed for good dental health, such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
Limit Sugar Intake
Sugar is the leading cause of cavities. When bacteria in the mouth mix with sugar, they form acids that eat away at tooth enamel.
It is important to limit sugary foods and drinks to reduce the risk of cavities. Entrepreneurs can do this by providing healthy snacks at work and limiting sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juice. If there is a company cafeteria, the food and drinks available there must be healthy.
Encourage Employees to Quit Smoking
Smoking damages teeth and gums and increases the risk of oral cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of oral problems.
Entrepreneurs can encourage employees to quit smoking by providing resources such as nicotine gum or patches. They can also ban smoking in the workplace.
Good Dental Health Means Good Business
Dental health is important for entrepreneurs and their employees. Good dental health improves appearance, which is important for making a good impression on business partners and clients. It increases productivity by reducing absenteeism due to dental problems. Entrepreneurs can encourage good dental hygiene among employees by providing education,resources, and dental benefits. All these will improve the company’s profitability.
