Another change in season is upon us. There are so many things about the fall season that we love! Cooler weather, beautiful fall foliage and the kids being back in school! Selecting that perfect pumpkin, going apple picking, riding on a hayride or visiting a corn maze. The activities that make fall a wonderful experince are endless. One of the things we look forward to are all the delicious foods that fall brings. Just the smell alone of some of the seasonal goodies can give us that cozy fall feeling.

There are many fall foods that can be very damaging to your teeth. Halloween is well known for the over abundance of candy. Thanksgiving brings not only turkey, but pies and other sweets a plenty. And Christmas can bring on even more sweet treats! Luckily, there are some fall foods that are good for you, allowing you to savor that taste of autumn and keep your smile bright.

APPLES  – A classic fall treat used in ciders and pies that keeps the dcotor away for a reason. Not only are they incredibly healthy, their crunch factor helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth that can lead to tooth decay. Crunchy foods act as nature’s scrubbers on your teeth, and create more saliva in your mouth to neutralize bacteria. Yes, apples have about 19g. of sugar per apple, but they are high in water content as well as fiber. So throw some apple slices into those lunch bags and enjoy the healthy rewards that apples provide.

PUMPKIN – This is probably this first food we think of when we think of fall. Pumpkin spiced foods pop up everywhere during this season. Pumpkins are full of vitamins and minerals that are important for your oral health. First, they have zinc, so good for bone and gum health. Magnesium, works with calcium to build hard enamel on our teeth to resist decay. The Vitamin A in pumkins promotes healing, which is important if you have damaged gum tissues. Vitamin C found in this fall veggie helps build your immune system and fight off infections and inflammation. Rich in beta-carotene, pumpkins play a role in fighting several types of cancer. Even a pumpkin’s seeds are good! Enjoy pumpkin in soups, oatmeal, quick breads and smoothies this fall!

BLACK OR GREEN TEAS – Curl up with a hot cup of tea this fall. These types of teas contain polyphenols which are compunds that stall the growth and reproduction of cavity causing bacteria. 

CRANBERRIES – Yet another fall food that is good for our oral health. These little berries also contain the polyphenols found in black and green teas. Cranberries encourage the good bacteria in our mouth to thrive. Just be sure to check the sugar content on some cranberry juices. Because cranberries are tart, some manufacturers add sugar to their products. Only use unprocessed cranberries or 100% juice with no sugars added. 

Dr. Joy Lunan says – celebrate this fall season the smart way. As long as we are aware of which fall foods are beneficial, we can make smart choices thoughout the season while picking the best treats fall has to offer.

Let Dr. Joy Lunan know about your favorite fall recipes.

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