As the seasons change, it can be a great time to refresh your health, too. The coming of fall can be the perfect time to get into better habits for your oral hygiene. Here are a few tips to have your healthiest smile ever this season:

• Replace your toothbrush: A lot of people use the changing of the seasons to do some housekeeping, like replacing heating unit filters, blankets, and gutters. But why stop at home maintenance? It’s also a great time to switch out your toothbrush! As a general rule of thumb, toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months.

• Eliminate a habit: A new season is a great time to reflect on your bad habits and make better choices. Whether it’s smoking, drinking too much soda, or eating too much candy, try using the new season to eliminate a habit that harms your teeth.

• Start a new healthy habit: After you eliminate one bad habit, try replacing it with one good habit! This fall, try something you may not be familiar with to give your mouth a boost. Ideas include trying a charcoal-based toothbrush, wearing a mouthguard at night if you think you might grind your teeth, or dry brushing your teeth.

• Fall into a good diet. With fall comes fall baking, which means a lot of sugar-laden treats. Unfortunately, high levels of sugar can contribute to tooth decay and poor oral health. Instead, try reaching for fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber, like apples, carrots, and celery. These snacks help to increase saliva production in your mouth, which not only helps keep your mouth clean but also provides a natural defense against cavities and decay.

• Check-in on your insurance benefits! As the end of your insurance year approaches, it can be the perfect time to take advantage of any unused dental benefits that may still be available. In many cases, dental benefits are “use it or lose it” when the new insurance year starts so be sure to stay on top of this!

• Schedule your annual visit. If you haven’t already visited your dentist this year, fall is a great time to do so!

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Ready to fall into a beautiful smile? Make an appointment with us today! We’d be thrilled to get you on your way to a wonderful new season of oral health and good habits.