As the carefree pace of summer gives way to the structure of fall, many of us are settling into new routines with school drop-offs, work schedules, and earlier bedtimes. It’s the perfect season to press reset, not just on your calendar, but on your daily routines, including your dental habits.
Oral health is often one of the first routines to slip during busy or transitional seasons. But fall offers a clean slate. It’s an opportunity to rebuild healthy routines that support a strong smile all year long.
Here are five dental habits worth refreshing this fall.
1. Bring Back the Bedtime Brushing Routine
Summer often means later nights and less structure, and oral hygiene can easily get skipped. As evenings become more routine in the fall, take advantage of that structure to make nighttime brushing and flossing a consistent part of your wind-down.
Try brushing at the same time each night, ideally after the last snack or drink (besides water). Parents can make it a joint activity with younger kids to help build lifelong habits.
Tip: Turn on a two-minute song or use a brushing timer app to make it more engaging, especially for children.
2. Make Morning Brushing a Non-Negotiable
Mornings can feel like a race, especially during the back-to-school rush. But brushing your teeth in the morning removes the overnight buildup of bacteria and prepares your mouth for the day ahead.
If mornings are hectic, build brushing into the earlier part of your routine: right after waking up or before breakfast. For families, setting a morning brushing alarm (even on the weekends) can help re-establish the habit after a relaxed summer.
3. Get Consistent with Flossing, Finally
Fall’s back-to-basics energy is ideal for tackling a habit that many people neglect: flossing. It’s easy to overlook, but flossing just once a day removes plaque from between teeth and prevents inflammation in your gums.
If string floss hasn’t worked for you, now’s the time to explore alternatives like floss picks or water flossers. You might be surprised how much easier it becomes when you find the right tool for your lifestyle.
4. Reboot Your Dental Supply Drawer
Take stock of your toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste. Are your bristles frayed? Are you still using that travel-size paste from your summer trip? Fall is the ideal time to refresh your supplies.
Replace toothbrushes every three to four months (or sooner if you’ve been sick), and consider switching to an electric brush if you need help with technique. Stock up on floss and fluoride toothpaste, and add a mouthwash that suits your needs, whether it’s for sensitivity, dry mouth, or breath freshness.
5. Catch Up on Appointments Before the Holiday Rush
Fall is a great time to get your checkups out of the way before schedules fill up for the holidays and before insurance benefits reset at the end of the year. A professional cleaning helps remove buildup that your brush can’t reach and gives your dentist a chance to catch small issues early.
If your child is in sports, ask about a custom mouthguard. And if it’s been a while since your last exam, this season’s return to routine makes it easier to get back on the calendar.
Fall is more than pumpkin patches and cooler weather—it’s a chance to realign your health habits and invest in your wellbeing. A little attention to your dental habits now can mean fewer problems later—and a more confident smile heading into the holidays.
Call Blythewood Village Dentistry at 803-653-6331 to schedule an appointment in Blythewood, SC. You can also schedule online.
