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Oral health might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about addiction, but it can lead to a range of problems.
Addiction is unfortunately more common than many people realise.
Shockingly, as many as one in five working people could have a problem with alcohol or drugs.
Research shows that between 3% and 5% of all work absences are caused by alcohol consumption.
This impacts workplace productivity and can also have serious implications for employees’ wellbeing, including their oral health through issues like tooth grinding (bruxism), tooth decay, gum disease, and even mouth cancer.
These problems can arise directly from substance abuse or because the person struggling has not been able to practice good dental hygiene.
Maintaining good oral health can be important for those in recovery.
It can help someone practice self-care, regain their sense of self-esteem, and reduce their risk of developing serious health problems.
Helping your employees recover their smile can be a significant step in their overall recovery journey.
As an employer, there are several things you can do to help your staff look after their teeth while they recover from addiction and get back to performing at their best:
- Offering dental insurance as part of your employee benefits package can ensure dental care is accessible and affordable. Many organisations offer an employee assistance program (EAP) which can support employees dealing with addiction, but typically this does not include dental care.
- Sharing guides on overcoming anxiety about the dentist can also be beneficial. Visiting a dentist at least twice a year helps maintain good oral health. Many people however can feel anxious about visiting the dentist, and this may be a challenge if they have not been for some time and feel worried or embarrassed about their teeth. Providing useful advice on how to make the experience more comfortable can encourage them to take that important step. To help you raise awareness with your employees, Bupa has put together a useful guide that you can share with them by downloading from this link.
- Tooth grinding (bruxism) is sometimes related to stress or anxiety and it may also have links to illegal drug use. This symptom could be worsened by stress in the workplace. You can help your employees by raising awareness of stress management techniques they can use to help alleviate this symptom.
- Supporting your employees’ wellbeing and sharing information on substance abuse, quitting smoking, and reducing or giving up alcohol can be crucial. You should aim to create a supportive working environment where employees feel able to discuss their health needs. You could also encourage them to take proactive steps to look after their wellbeing and oral health.
- Offering healthy food choices to encourage your employees to eat a balanced diet which supports healthy teeth and gums is another practical step. A balanced diet not only benefits overall health but can also play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health.
Understanding the effects of addiction on oral health is important for the workplace.
By taking proactive steps to support your employees, you can help them recover their smile and improve their overall health and productivity.
This not only benefits the individual but can also contribute to a healthier, more productive workplace.
Download and share Bupa’s dental anxiety guide with your employees from this link.
