Summer might still be hanging on by its fingernails, but there is little doubt that signs of the cooler months ahead are starting to become more noticeable. The evenings are getting shorter, the temperature is gradually dropping and summer holidays are becoming a distant memory.<\/p>\n
Before Autumn fully arrives, it might be a good time to think about your oral health. There is nothing particularly dangerous about autumn itself, but changes to our routines, diet and daily habits can sometimes have an impact on our teeth and gums. A few subtle changes now can make all the difference in maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout the cooler months.<\/p>\n
Summer can sometimes be a little disruptive. Holidays, days out, late nights and generally taking advantage of the lighter nights and warmer weather can all mean that our normal routines go out of the window. If your brushing routine has become a little less reliable over these last few months, autumn is a good time to get back to basics. Check that you are brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste for around two minutes each time. If you don\u2019t currently floss, now is a good time to get into the habit, ready for those sticky puddings that get trapped between the teeth.<\/p>\n
These suggestions might seem obvious, but these simple habits remain among the most effective things that patients of the Foxhall Dental Practice can do for their teeth and gums.<\/p>\n
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As the weather gets colder, many of us start looking for warmer and more comforting foods. Soups, stews and other hearty meals can be excellent choices, but autumn can also bring an increase in puddings, biscuits, cakes, chocolate and other treats to cheer us up when the wind is howling outside or the rain never seems to stop. There is nothing wrong with enjoying these occasionally. The problem comes when sugary foods and drinks become something we are constantly consuming on a regular basis.<\/p>\n
Every time we eat sugar, bacteria in the plaque on our teeth can produce acids which attack tooth enamel. Frequent snacking means that the teeth get less time to recover between attacks and damage and tooth decay<\/a> are more likely to occur. If you do want to eat something sweet, having it as part of a meal is generally kinder to your teeth than continually picking at sugary snacks outside of meal times.<\/p>\n Speciality coffees and hot chocolate become particularly tempting when the weather cools down. These can contain considerably more sugar than you might think, especially if bought at a coffee shop. They are better regarded as occasional treats rather than something to drink throughout the day. There is also always the risk that you will treat yourself to a sugary cake too,\u00a0 just to make things worse.<\/p>\n When it is hot, it is fairly easy to remember to drink plenty of water. When the temperature drops, we may not feel as thirsty and can often forget to drink as much. Perhaps surprisingly, we can still dehydrate if we don\u2019t drink sufficient fluids, even in the depths of winter! Water is by far the best way to stay hydrated. It also helps to wash away food particles and improves the production of saliva. Saliva plays an important role in protecting the teeth because it helps to neutralise acids and provides minerals that help maintain the enamel.<\/p>\nHot drinks<\/h3>\n
Stay hydrated<\/h3>\n