Last Updated on 17th November 2021
More than a quarter of British adults (28%) are turning to sugar when put under stress at work, reveal the dentists at Evesham Dental Health Team on Broadway Road in Evesham.
Just over 2,000 people were questioned by the Oral Health Foundation during National Smile Month about their food choices when feeling stressed and bingeing on sugar was the most frequent reply.
According to LinkedIn, half of workers report feeling stressed in their jobs, prompting the UK charity to call on employers to do more to help combat stress and offer more support to their employees to help them maintain good oral health.
Regular visits to your dentist
Evesham dentist, Richard Colebourne says: “If you are reaching for sugary snacks on a regular basis, please ensure you come to see your dentist at least every six months so that we can take extra care of your mouth, teeth and gums and spot any problems, such as decay, cavities or gum disease early.”
Evidence suggests that office workers are the most likely to eat sugary foods and drinks (32%) as a result of stress. Senior professionals like doctors, lawyers and accountants are also at higher risk (31%).
In recent decades, scientific studies have found that comfort eating is actually hormone-related and fuelled by our body’s biological response to stressful situations. When put under stress, our body releases a hormone called cortisol which increases our appetite.
Once ingested, fat and sugar-filled foods seem to have a feedback effect that dampens stress-related responses and emotions.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “Desk snacking, communal treat tables and vending machines, often filled with sugary foods and drinks, are the biggest contributors to the problem. This is causing oral diseases such as tooth decay, as well as wider conditions like diabetes and obesity.”
Healthy eating and developing a more tooth-friendly culture in the workplace could include opting for snacks such as cheese and nuts. Milk and water are great substitutes for juices and fizzy drinks and stopping the adding of sugar to tea and coffee can make a big difference.
The charity has found that around one in seven (15%) people have taken sick leave in last two years due to an oral health problem, estimating that UK businesses lose 3.6 million hours of labour every year and £52 million for the economy.
Concerned about your oral health?
Please contact us as our door is always open to new patients and their children from Evesham, Pershore, Stratford, Worcester and across Worcestershire.
