The long days of summer already seem like a distant memory, and they’ve been replaced with pumpkin-scented candles, craft shows, and thoughts of the upcoming holiday season. It’s difficult to believe that fall is here, but before you get too busy thinking about what’s to come, now is the perfect time to consider a routine dental exam and checkup.
Summer at the Etobicoke Waterfront Trail is a busy time; there always seem to be crowds of people cycling, walking, enjoying the public beaches, or cooling off at the park’s splash pads. There’s plenty to see and do during the summer, so staying active isn’t an issue when the weather is warm, and the sun is out until later in the evening.
Golden Hour on the Waterfront Trail: Fall in South Etobicoke
There’s a seasonal shift happening on the Waterfront Trail; the crowds are thinning now that the kids are back in school, and the hot summer days are a thing of the past. And as trail gear gets packed away for the winter and we start to hibernate a bit more, it’s not uncommon for our health routines to suffer a bit as well.
Sometimes, cooler weather makes us want to put on our favorite sweater and cuddle up on the couch with our favorite movie, but the truth is that waiting until warmer weather to book routine preventive dental care may not be the best plan. Once spring gets here, so do our packed schedules, and if we neglect our teeth and gums, we could end up with dental issues that could have been avoided had we acted sooner.
Active Lifestyles and Oral Health: The Surprising Overlap
You may have never thought about it, but the long bike rides, invigorating runs, and outdoor training exercises that are so popular during the summer months can dry out your mouth. And because saliva protects your tooth enamel from tooth decay and acid buildup, a dry mouth can be harmful to your oral health. This is another reason why scheduling a fall dental visit is a good idea.
Not only that, but sports drinks and energy gels can also have a negative impact on your teeth. Many hydration drinks are highly acidic or contain sticky sugars and carbohydrates. So, when you consume these popular drinks regularly on long trail days, you could be more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
Beat the Year-End Rush (And Use Your Dental Benefits)
Our dental office typically sees more people trying to book appointments toward the end of the year, making it more difficult to make time in your already-busy schedule. That’s because most private dental insurance benefits expire on December 31. These benefits operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis, meaning that your unused benefits do not roll over to the next year. Most dental insurance companies cover routine preventive care, so it only makes sense to take advantage of the coverage you’re already paying for.
To avoid the holiday crunch, we recommend scheduling your appointment in October or November. That way, you can grab an appointment time that works well with your schedule before the December rush fills up our calendar.
Even if you aren’t experiencing any dental concerns, it’s best to prioritize your oral health by scheduling a dental checkup. Your local dentist can fix minor enamel wear or small cavities before an unexpected toothache threatens to ruin your winter holiday trips.
What a Post-Outdoor-Season Clean-Up Looks Like
Visiting your Etobicoke dentist this fall is the best way to ensure a quick, stress-free visit. During your appointment, we’ll assess your teeth, gums, and jaws and take any necessary x-rays.
We’ll professionally clean your teeth, clearing away stains and removing the stubborn plaque and tartar your toothbrush can’t.
We’ll check for micro-wear and recommend treatment options to restore your smile’s function and beauty.
Our dental office is open until 8:00 PM four nights each week, and we take appointments all day on Saturday, making it possible for you to keep your teeth and gums healthy without missing school or work.
Let Us Help You With the Paperwork
We accept Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) benefits, and we’ll file dental insurance claims on your behalf.
For patients who need more extensive treatment and may need to pay over time, we work with the Affirm payment program.
Book Your Fall Checkup at Our Lake Shore Office
If you need a dental cleaning in Etobicoke, our experienced dental team is ready to take your call! At Toronto Lakeshore Dental, we’ll do whatever we can to help you make the best oral health decisions for your schedule and budget.
We want every patient to have a healthy smile they’re proud to show others, so if you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to call us at (416) 503-3335.
We can’t wait to see you smile!