Office “cake culture” contributing to poor oral health
In an office, it is easy to develop poor eating habits; the stress, deadlines, and long hours can cause us to snack frequently throughout the day. However, this can have a negative impact on both physical and oral health.
“Cake culture”, in which office workers at all levels bring communal snacks for special events, is not an issue as an occasional treat. As an habit, however, it can create serious issues relating to obesity and dental health. Professor Nigel Hunt, from the Faculty of Dental Surgery, at the Royal College of Surgeons, discussed the problem at his organization’s yearly dinner for dentists.
“For many people the workplace is now the primary site of their sugar intake and is contributing to the current obesity epidemic and poor oral health,” he said in a speech.
The main issue with “cake culture” is that these snacks are often eaten in-between meals. When you eat sugary foods around the clock, you give bacteria the fuel they need to produce enamel-destroying acid. Over time, this can seriously harm your teeth and gums.
Hunt does not believe that it is necessary to cut out these sorts of foods altogether; the BBC reported that he feels that sugary treats should be served in small quantities and then only at lunchtime. For rewards and non-lunch meetings, there are a number of healthy foods that employers can dole out, such as cheese, nuts and fruits.
In his remarks, Hunt pointed out that 65,000 adults in his country require hospital treatment for issues related to tooth decay. Employees should look to do their part in reducing this number by avoiding sweet, starchy snacks in the office, and providing their workers with healthier alternatives (or save the sugar for special occasions).
