Now that summer is almost over and the leaves are starting to turn and fall off of the trees, it is time to start the countdown to fall. It is also time to consider how fall weather has an impact on your oral health. Here are three things you need to know and/or do this fall in relation to your dental health.

1. Colder Weather May Help Point Out Oral Health Issues

Have you ever noticed that you suffer from teeth sensitivity once the temperatures start to cool down? If so, you aren't alone, and it could simply be Mother Nature's way of letting you know that there is a problem inside your mouth that needs to be taken care of by a professional.

Cold sensitivity tends to be a result of numerous factors, such as thin enamel, cracked teeth, tooth bruising, or gum shrinkage. Individuals who suffer from sensitive teeth for an extended period of time during the fall or winter should contact a dentist as soon as possible for a checkup.

2. Manage Your Child's Eating Habits

One of the most popular holidays in the fall is Halloween, and October 31^st is a date that your child patiently waits for all year. While they should be able to enjoy the fun that this occasion brings, it is also important that their dental health is not ruined in the long-term as a result of all the candy that they receive from trick-or-treating that night.

To help mitigate any oral health-related issues, you will need to manage their candy eating habits. One way to do this is to only allow your child to eat candy at mealtime. This will help ensure that their saliva helps to rinse cavity-causing bacteria out of the mouth. Drinking water—especially fluorinated water—when eating candy helps as well.

3. Schedule Your Child's End-of-Year Checkup

If your child has not seen the dentist in a while and the office hasn't contacted you about your child's next appointment, don't hesitate to give them a call and go ahead and schedule your child's next appointment. The end of the year is the perfect time to get your child's teeth checked and ensure everything is going smoothly.

While oral health care is important all year, with the potential dangers that Halloween candy and cold weather brings, it is important that you and your child make a commitment at the beginning of fall to stay on top of your oral health regimens. 

Share