Probably the best dentist’s office I’ll ever visit and I’m so grateful I found them when I did! Woodpoint Dental changed my life, undoing not only years of neglect, but also several botched/unfinished procedures my last dentist left me with. Everyone who works here is caring, attentive, and exceptional at what they do, and every experience I’ve had here has been above and beyond positive. My one complaint is that they no longer accept my insurance and I’m going to miss them dearly.
September is here. With it comes crisp air, back-to-school routines, and the beginning of sugar season. From lunchbox snacks and caramel apples to pumpkin spice lattes and early Halloween treats, fall is full of sugary temptations. That’s why you want to make sure you protect your teeth, as too much sugar (especially in between meals) can take a serious toll on your smile
Now is the perfect time to strike a healthy balance. You can enjoy the flavors of fall without paying the price in toothaches or cavities. With a few smart habits, you can protect your smile and keep your oral health on track all season long.
1. Don’t Sip All Day
Pumpkin spice lattes, sweet teas, and flavored coffees may be fall favorites, but sipping them throughout the day keeps sugar in constant contact with your teeth. That frequent exposure weakens your enamel and feeds the bacteria that cause cavities.
Instead of stretching your drink over hours, enjoy it in one sitting and follow it with a glass of water. If you’re craving a second cup, consider switching to something sugar-free. Making this simple change can help your enamel stay strong through the season.
2. Rethink the Snack Drawer
Fall schedules can get busy fast, and it’s easy to grab packaged snacks like granola bars, fruit chews, or cookies to stay fueled. But many of these are surprisingly high in added sugars, and they tend to stick to your teeth, especially if you’re snacking between meals.
When you can, choose tooth-friendly snacks like fresh fruit, cheese, or nuts. They’re not only healthier for your body, but they’re gentler on your smile. If a sweet snack is part of your routine, rinse your mouth with water right after or brush if possible.
3. Read the Labels (Even the Healthy Ones)
Many foods that seem healthy, like yogurt, trail mix, or flavored oatmeal—can pack a lot of hidden sugars. Take a moment to read the nutrition label before you toss something in your cart or your lunch bag.
Look for options with low or no added sugar, especially for items you eat every day. Even small reductions can make a big difference over time in protecting your teeth and reducing your cavity risk.
4. Brush Before Bed (No Matter What)
Even if you’ve had a long day and just want to crash, don’t skip brushing before bed. When you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva, which makes it easier for sugar and bacteria to cause damage overnight.
Take two minutes to brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste and floss away anything left between your teeth. This nightly routine is your best defense against sugar-related damage, especially during the treat-heavy months ahead.
5. Plan Your Treats & Don’t Mindlessly Munch
One of the best ways to enjoy sweets without hurting your teeth is to be intentional. Have that dessert after dinner, not as a constant graze. Eat it with a meal (when saliva helps buffer acid), not on its own.
And don’t beat yourself up for enjoying something sweet. The goal is balance, not restriction.
Fall flavors are worth celebrating, but your smile is, too. With a few easy changes, you can protect your teeth all season long. Book your fall checkup today and head into sugar season with confidence.
Call Alpine Meadows Family Dental at 718-866-3806 (Woodpoint Brooklyn) 516-347-7133 (Woodpoint Plainview) for an appointment in Lehi, UT. You can also schedule online.