Frequent tooth brushing linked to higher Job Satisfaction, suggests study

A new study published in the recent issue of International Journal of Dental Hygiene showed that higher job satisfaction is linked to more frequent toothbrushing among Japanese workers, with the effect being especially pronounced in those experiencing work-related stress. The findings suggest that improving job satisfaction and reducing workplace stress could play a meaningful role in promoting better oral health behaviors, particularly in stressed individuals.

This cross-sectional survey in late November 2021, gathered responses from 1,808 full- and part-time workers aged 20 to 69. These participants were recruited through an online research platform, and completed questionnaires about their job conditions, stress levels, satisfaction with their work, and oral health habits.

The results revealed that 80.9% of participants reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day, which is a benchmark often recommended by dental professionals. However, this behavior was not evenly distributed across all groups. Full-time employees, those working regular daytime hours, and individuals who reported being satisfied with their jobs were significantly more likely to maintain this level of oral hygiene.

Among participants who reported experiencing work-related stress, those who were satisfied with their jobs were substantially more likely to brush their teeth twice daily or more. In fact, job satisfaction increased the likelihood of frequent toothbrushing by 66% in this group. This association did not appear among workers who reported little to no stress, which suggests that job satisfaction may play a particularly important role in maintaining healthy habits under pressure.

The study highlights that workplace environments don’t just influence productivity or mental health, but can also shape everyday health behaviors. For stressed workers, feeling positive about one’s job may act as a buffer to encourage routines that support overall well-being, including oral care.

Despite this study being limited by its cross-sectional design, it still opens the door for further dedicated research into how workplace dynamics influence personal health habits. Overall, this study suggest that improving job satisfaction and reducing workplace stress could have benefits that extend beyond mental health, potentially leading to better physical health outcomes as well.

Source:

Suzuki, S., Ohyama, A., Yoshino, K., Takayanagi, A., Shibuya, T., Eguchi, T., Kamijo, H., & Sugihara, N. (2026). Association between frequency of toothbrushing and work-related factors in the Japanese population. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, idh.70081. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.70081