It’s that time of the year again: leaves are changing from deep summer greens to yellows and reds. The breeze coming through your window has a more crisp feel. People change from shorts and t-shirts to sweaters and scarves. That’s right – it’s finally fall.

Fall Teeth Cleaning, Anyone?

Fall brings with it a lot of celebration, and, more importantly, great food. It’s a time for coming together with friends over wine, baking tasty treats with your kids, and cozying up with a hot beverage.

At Dr. Brunelli’s office, we believe that you deserve to enjoy all of the fun that fall has to offer without worrying about sacrificing your dental health.

Here are a few fall food staples and some tips on how to incorporate them into your own autumn celebrations.

PUMPKIN

Whether you go to the pumpkin patch yourself or head to the store for a can of the fall favorite, pumpkin is an amazing treat that’s also pretty good for your teeth! It’s packed full of nutrients, including Vitamin A which is vital for enamel formation. Enjoy this in some pumpkin spice pancakes with your family in the morning or just as a classic pumpkin pie (go ahead, top it with whipped cream).

WINE

All of this awesome autumn food often pairs nicely with a glass of red wine, and you know what? You deserve it. Some studies show that the antioxidants in wine have a positive effect that benefits your smile’s health. Enjoy it over a fun meal with friends and family or maybe just treat yourself to a glass over a nice cheese plate.

APPLES

The smell of warm apples in the air brings a nostalgic feel to your home in the fall. Apples have proven to be good for your dental health! The high water and fiber content of this fall favorite keep bad bacteria at bay. Treat yourself to a slice (or two) of warm apple pie or really get your seasonal fix with this butternut squash, apple and sage soup.

COFFEE

Although coffee is a staple year-round, nothing warms the soul more than a nice, hot cup of coffee on a rainy autumn morning or meeting a friend over a creamy latte. While coffee has been known to cause staining and enamel erosion, some studies have shown that the polyphenol in coffee can also keep teeth strong and healthy.  

Don’t let your concern for your dental health keep you from taking part in all of the celebration and indulgences. We at Dr. Brunelli’s office are committed to making sure your dental needs are taken care of while you’re enjoying all that the new season has to offer, so schedule an appointment with us for your regular check-up, and make sure you’re brushing and flossing regularly.

In the meantime, savor that wine because let’s face it: Life’s too short to skip the second glass.