Sunnyvale Dentist's Tips for Healthy Teeth in the Fall

Despite 2020 feeling as though it's been going on forEVER, fall is officially here. Ever since he lived in Michigan, fall has been my husband's favorite season. He loves that fall comes with brilliant red and orange leaves, a drop in humidity (Midwest summers are no joke!), and a noticeable weather difference...and he appreciates the chill in the air (although we haven't had too much of it in Sunnyvale and the rest of California). And while he's not the biggest fan of pumpkin spiced lattes (he drinks his coffee black), he LOVES anything apple spice flavored. Going to the apple orchards is a *thing* that one does in Michigan during the fall. I admittedly never picked apples, but I definitely sipped on apple cider and indulged in the donuts.

I took this picture during my last autumn in Michigan before moving to Sunnyvale. My little iPhone camera couldn't capture the full brilliance of the leaves.

As students in Sunnyvale are transitioning back to school and employees are bracing for the stress of year-end, here's a quick refresher on a dentist's tips for healthy teeth as we transition into the fall and cooler months.

If you aren't regularly seeing a dentist, use the fall as a guide for regular check-ups and cleanings with your Sunnyvale dentist.

Many of our patients like to come every March/September for their dental visits. Others coordinate dental visits with their birthdays (and also half-birthdays). If you can't remember to visit your dentist regularly, make it easy for yourself - schedule visits in the fall (and spring) to remember.

Coordinate visiting your Sunnyvale dentist with a reminder to replace your toothbrush.

I recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3 months. Some of our patients switch at the beginning of each quarter. As we are starting a new season, replace your toothbrush! And then make it a habit to replace your toothbrush as each season changes. While we're at it...

Brush and floss your teeth twice a day.

We recommend brushing twice a day (for two minutes each time) and flossing daily, making sure to wiggle the floss underneath your gums and "hug" your teeth to get them clean. If you're unsure of your at-home oral hygiene regimen, or if you'd like feedback or pointers, visit us in Sunnyvale to review our oral hygiene tips. Our team is great at educating and showing patients how to brush and floss your teeth. ​

Sunnyvale dentist hack: incorporate fluoride in your routine.

'Tis the season to indulge in apple donuts and apple cider. Soon enough, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the gluttony and sweets that accompany those holidays will be here. This is a great time to incorporate fluoride in your regimen. I personally brush with a prescription-strength toothpaste every night, but ACT Mouthrinse is a great option for people looking for an over-the-counter option to increase their fluoride exposure. Fluoride will help strengthen your teeth, protect them from cavities, and decrease sensitivity.

Use the appliances (such as nightguards or retainers) your Sunnyvale dentist recommends.

We've been seeing an increase in patients who are fracturing their teeth, causing them to need root canals, crowns, or even implants. Please, protect your teeth. I'd much rather have a patient chew (and break) a plastic nightguard than have them break their own tooth. Many of our patients' spouses have been hearing our patients grind their teeth and have been encouraging them to visit our office.

If you're looking to get a few questions answered about your smile, or if you're looking for some encouragement on how to improve your oral hygiene, schedule your visit in our office today!