Goodbye, summer – we will miss you!
With the legendary Toronto humidity behind us, we can look forward to milder days as the calendar marches slowly toward winter. We know it is coming, but we do not want to think about it yet!
In the meantime, fall in our city brings changing colours on trees, digging in our closets for cozy sweaters, and the return of yummy treats. For example, everything suddenly is pumpkin-spiced, and many people jump in to indulge in this special seasonal flavour.
However, as we transition from light salads and fresh fruits to casseroles and hearty soups, it is also time to refocus on oral health and commit to techniques that promote strong teeth and gums.
How comfort food and beverages in the fall affect our oral health
Many people celebrate summer by enjoying sweet and sugary treats under the sun. However, as the season changes into fall, healthy, seasonal food options, such as apples, squash, carrots, and the aforementioned pumpkins, come to mind.
The good news is that these seasonal foods provide essential nutrients and help to support your oral health. Apples and carrots, for example, are crunchy foods that help fight plaque and stimulate saliva production, which is needed to wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C, which help to support gum health. Cranberries, kale, and nuts are other great seasonal snacks that help your teeth stay strong and healthy.
However, as the weather turns cooler, many people also turn to comfort foods such as warm casseroles and baked goods that can lead to tooth decay if consumed excessively. Additionally, Thanksgiving family favourites such as apple pie, pumpkin pie, and carrot cake are delicious but high in sugar. You don’t want to disappoint Grandma by not enjoying her homemade pie, but you can help protect your oral health by limiting your intake and rinsing with water after eating.
Pumpkin spice lattes and other hot seasonal drinks are also all the rage this time of year. These beverages are often laden with sugar that can harm your teeth. Better options for tooth health are plain water or unsweetened herbal teas.
Adjusting your eating habits during this seasonal change will help protect your smile as we move further into fall.
More fall dental care tips
Increase your water intake
We all know the importance of drinking more water in the summer, especially on days with high humidity. However, it is just as critical to drink water—and actually increase our intake—as we transition into fall.
That is because we tend to enjoy more hot drinks during this season, which can lead to dry mouth if we do not balance them with water. A dry mouth makes us feel uncomfortable, causes bad breath (halitosis), and inhibits saliva production, which is needed to wash away food particles and neutralize acids that can cause tooth decay and cavities.
Carrying a reusable water bottle with you will make accessing water easier, so you can take sips throughout the day and protect your oral health.
Manage tooth sensitivity
Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity when the temperature suddenly drops. The pain is exacerbated by drinking hot or cold beverages, which stimulate the teeth’s sensitive nerve endings.
You can’t change the weather, but you can change how your teeth react to the change in season. Visit your family dentist for a complete oral examination and options for treating tooth sensitivity.
Combat tooth stains in the fall
Those comfort foods and specialty coffees we indulge in when September starts can leave stains on our teeth if we are not careful. If you notice your teeth are getting darker, talk to your dentist about safe and effective whitening treatments. Many whitening products will pretty much restore teeth to a more natural state and prepare your bright, beautiful smile for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and holiday photos.
Kids dental care
Now that summer fun is over, kids need to return to a more predictable routine that includes attending school, doing homework, and taking care of their oral health. Ensure they brush once in the morning and once before bed, followed by flossing, to help keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy as they grow.
One fall event that almost every child looks forward to is Halloween. After they come back home after a night of trick-or-treating, try to limit their candy intake to prevent too much sugar from sticking to their teeth and gums. Make sure they rinse with water after snacking and follow their oral health routine to minimize the impact of Halloween indulgence. Also, be sure to roast those pumpkin seeds after carving your pumpkin for a tooth-friendly snack.
If your children play any school contact sports, such as football or rugby, invest in a mouthguard to help protect against tooth chips, cracks, and loss from sudden impact to the face. Talk to your child’s dentist about mouthguard options that offer a custom fit instead of picking up a one-size-fits-all option from your local sports store.
Maintaining strong oral health through seasonal changes
We are very fortunate to enjoy four distinct seasons in Toronto. No matter what time of year it is, our team at Yonge Eglinton Dental looks forward to helping take care of your entire family’s oral health and helping you manage your oral health during seasonal changes.
Transition your oral care from summer to fall with the experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to the dental professionals at Yonge Eglinton Dental about good oral health habits that will protect your teeth and gums as we move into fall. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
