Fall Favorites and Your Teeth

It’s October, which means that fall is officially in full swing. When you think of autumn, certain smells and tastes probably come to mind, like cinnamon, cold autumn breezes, and fresh baked goods.

We know it’s a season that’s filled with a bunch of delicious treats. That’s why our team is breaking down how good or bad classic fall goodies are for your teeth.

1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes

That’s right, it’s everywhere you look. Pumpkin spice is the harbinger of fall itself!

These days, autumn is pretty much synonymous with pumpkin spice, but the infamous drink might not be so great for your teeth.

You probably already know that it’s filled with syrup, and that the syrup is chock-full of sugars. When those sugars are mixed with the acid in the coffee, it makes this drink a horror story for your teeth. We recommend you enjoy these sparingly and that you rinse out your mouth with water when you’re finished.

2. Pecan Pie

When cool weather hits, we all start craving warm baked goods. Pecan pie is an autumn staple for a lot of families, but this sweet treat is one of the worst foods for your teeth.

The filling is made with sticky sugary ingredients like corn syrup or molasses, and the nuts on top can get stuck in your teeth. When you mix the two together, you are asking for a visit to the dentist.

If you can’t avoid eating pecan pie, make sure to brush and floss your teeth immediately after you eat. That can help get the sugary substance off of your teeth before it causes some real damage.

When in doubt, skip the pecan pie for pumpkin. Why? Keep reading.

3. Pumpkin

Believe it or not, even though PSLs are terrible for teeth, pumpkin is actually very good! This gourd is packed with vitamins and nutrients that your teeth need to thrive. In fact, it’s a great source of iron, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Now that’s awesome!

Pumpkin seeds also pack some nutritious benefits like fiber, but they can be tough to chew. Make sure to floss after crunching down on these to be sure that nothing is stuck between your teeth.

We can’t help but love the changing seasons, but we want to make sure your teeth enjoy the coming months as much as you do. Remember, no matter what you eat, you need to brush and floss regularly. Trust us. Your teeth with thank you.