Autumn is a special time of year. Selecting a pumpkin, going apple picking or visiting a corn maze are all activities that make the fall a wonderful experience. There are also many different types of foods that are specific to this time of year, and even just a taste or smell of seasonal foods and drinks like apple cider can elicit that cozy fall feeling.
There are many autumn foods, however, that can be very damaging to your teeth. Halloween is well-known for its overabundance of candy, while Thanksgiving brings turkey, pies and other sweets a-plenty – and don’t even get us started on Christmas, Hanukkah and the other December holidays. At Genesee Dental, we have some tips to help you savor the taste of autumn while helping to keep your smile stay bright.
As we mentioned before, apples are a great fall treat. They keep the doctor away for a reason. Not only are they incredibly healthy, their crunch factor helps disturb pre-existing plaque and bacteria before they can continue their damage.
Black and green teas are dental-smart beverages. Curl up with a hot cup of tea this fall, get cozy and do your teeth some good! That’s right, black and green tea contain polyphenols, says Live Science, which are compounds that stall the growth and reproduction of cavity-causing bacteria.
Cranberries are another seasonal snack that also contains polyphenols. It is important to check the sugar content of cranberry juice or sauce, however, because many cranberry products contain added sweetener that can negate some of the benefits. Cranberries are naturally very tart, so many manufactures feel the need to sweeten things up. Check the label and see how your preferred cranberries stack up.
Celebrate the truly festive autumn season the smart way. As long as you are aware of which fall time snacks are beneficial to your dental health, you can make smart choices throughout the season and pick the best treats that autumn has to offer. To learn more, chat with your dentist during your next visit to Genesee Dental. Schedule your next appointment online now, or call us at 585-343-1113.