Autumn has a way of slowing us down. The air turns cooler, the days get shorter, and suddenly we find ourselves reaching for cosy jumpers, hearty soups, and that first spiced latte of the season. It’s a lovely time of year, but it’s also one when our teeth face a few new, and sometimes hidden, challenges. A change in season often means a change in habits, and even small changes can affect your oral health more than you might think.
Let’s look at a few simple, realistic ways for patients of the Rushey Green Dental Practice to keep their teeth healthy as the leaves turn from green to gold.
This is the season of abundance; apples, pumpkins, carrots, pears etc. Most of these are wonderful for your health and, also, for your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables help to clean the tooth surface and help to boost saliva flow. This naturally helps protect enamel. A crisp apple, for example, works almost like a natural toothbrush.
But there’s a flip side. Autumn is also the season of pies, puddings, and all things spiced and sweet. Pumpkin lattes, sticky toffee apples, fruit crumbles; it’s easy for sugar to sneak into nearly everything we eat and drink. Even healthy sounding snacks, like dried fruit or smoothies, can be surprisingly sugary.
The key isn’t to cut out treats completely; it’s about being aware. Try to keep sweet things to mealtimes so your teeth aren’t under constant acid attack, and drink water afterwards to help wash the sugars away. Little habits can make a big difference over time.
Once the heating goes on, you might notice your lips or skin feeling dry, but your mouth does too. When the air gets colder and drier, saliva production can slow down, and that’s far from ideal for oral health. Saliva plays a vital role in neutralising acids and washing away food particles.
Try to stay hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Herbal teas without added sugar are great when you want something warmer than water, especially ones like chamomile or mint. They warm you up and won’t harm your teeth.
If you wake with a dry mouth, it might be worth checking whether you’re breathing through your mouth at night; something that becomes more common with autumn allergies and colds.
Autumn comes around soon enough, or too soon for some. The holidays are over, the kids are back in school, and daily routines start to settle again. It’s a good moment to check in on your oral care habits.
Are you brushing for a full two minutes twice a day? Still using that same old toothbrush you packed for your summer trip? Bristles wear down faster than most people realise, and once they are worn, they don’t clean as effectively. A fresh toothbrush or new electric head every three months helps to keep things effective.
And flossing too. Think of this as a small, nightly act of self-care. It takes less than two minutes and may save you from discomfort (and money) later on.
Autumn was practically invented for comfort food. The trick is to enjoy it without turning every day into Halloween. If you must eat sweets, eat them in one sitting instead of grazing throughout the day. Your enamel prefers one short exposure to sugar rather than repeated hits.
If you’re out at bonfire night events or autumn fairs, it helps to keep a small bottle of water with you. A quick rinse can go a long way to protecting your teeth. Sugar-free gum is another good option as it boosts saliva and helps clear away food debris.
You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be consistent. A little awareness means you can enjoy every treat and still keep your smile bright.
It’s tempting to put off visiting our Catford dental clinic until ‘after the Christmas holidays, but autumn is actually one of the best times to book in. With winter approaching, it’s smart to make sure everything’s in good shape before the cold weather hits.
Temperature changes can make sensitive teeth more noticeable, and festive indulgences can sometimes undo months of good habits. A professional clean removes any tartar build-up and gives your dentist a chance to catch small dental issues before they turn into bigger problems.
If you’ve been meaning to get your children’s teeth checked, now’s the ideal time too. School routines are back in place, and early appointments help you avoid the December rush.
Your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation from the rest of your body of course. The darker months can take a toll on our energy, diet, and mood, and those things all show up in oral health. Try to eat well, keep your vitamin levels up, especially vitamin D, and don’t underestimate the link between stress and your jaw. People often grind their teeth more when they’re tense or tired. If you wake up with a sore jaw or notice your teeth feeling worn, mention it at your next appointment.
Autumn is one of those times that invites comfort and reflection. It’s also the perfect moment to give a little extra care to yourself,and that includes your teeth. With a bit of mindfulness and a good routine, your smile can stay bright through the darkest months of the year.
So enjoy the hot drinks, the warm scarves, and the cosy evenings in. Just remember to keep your toothbrush close by and your dental check-up booked. Your future self (and your smile) will thank you for it!
Here’s to an autumn full of colour, comfort, and confident smiles.
For appointments and other oral care related matters, please call the Rushey Green Dental Practice on 020 8314 5066.
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