Dr. Koo is the best! His staff is amazing and so friendly. My family loves him too. Great with kids. Dr. Koo is very fast, efficient and painless. I’m very sensitive and going to the dentist has always been so scary for me. Not with Dr. Koo, he’s a master at the painless novocaine shot!
As summer fades and routines shift — whether it’s the start of a new school year, a busier work season, or just cooler weather moving in — your mouth notices the change, too. Believe it or not, seasonal transitions can affect your teeth. From what you eat and drink to how often you brush, fall habits usually differ from summer ones.
Here’s how to keep your smile in shape during these in-between times, with simple strategies that adjust right alongside your lifestyle:
1. Changing Schedules Can Lead to Forgotten Routines
When your daily rhythm changes, even slightly, oral care is often the first thing to slip. Maybe you’re rushing out the door earlier or getting home later. Morning brushing becomes quicker, and nighttime flossing gets skipped more often than not.
Pro Tip: Build your dental routine into new transitions. Set calendar reminders if needed, or pair brushing with another consistent habit—like your first cup of coffee or setting your alarm at night. Keep a travel toothbrush handy for mid-day refreshes, especially if your mornings get hectic.
2. Cooler Weather May Cause Dryer Mouths
As temperatures drop and heaters kick on, the air gets drier and so does your mouth. Saliva plays a big role in protecting your teeth from bacteria, and less of it means more risk for cavities, bad breath, and discomfort.
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated throughout the day (yes, even if it’s not hot out). Consider using a humidifier at night and chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol to keep saliva flowing.
3. New Foods Have Hidden Sugar Traps
Pumpkin spice season might be delicious, but it often comes with sticky caramel, sugary coffees, and more frequent snacking. Fall flavors tend to be sweet, and even savory comfort foods can leave behind starches that feed harmful bacteria.
Pro Tip: Enjoy seasonal treats in moderation, ideally during meals when saliva production is higher. Rinse with water after sweet snacks and avoid grazing all day. And if you’re sipping on sweet drinks, try using a straw to limit direct contact with your teeth.
4. Busy Days May Cause Missed Dental Appointments
As schedules fill up, it’s easy to push routine cleanings to the back burner. But skipping those visits can allow minor issues to become bigger (and more expensive) problems down the line.
Pro Tip: Use the season change as a reminder to check in. Haven’t had a cleaning since spring? Fall is the perfect time to get back on track. We’ll check for any signs of wear, dryness, or new decay and help prep your smile for winter.
Schedule your next visit today. We’ll help you refresh your routine so the changing seasons won’t affect your teeth.
Call Jahyun Koo DDS at 206-922-4573 for an appointment in Seattle, WA. You can also schedule online.