Fall is upon us, and that means Halloween, trick-or-treating, and football. As a Lincoln dentist, I want you to enjoy all the festivities our town has to offer, but remember to protect your smile even as you indulge in all the fun.
In this blog, I share the oral health hazards of the season, practical tips to prevent dental problems, and even our local football game schedule so you don't miss any of our home games.
Why Tailgating Can Be Hard on Your Teeth
There are plenty of local favorites to be had at tailgating parties, including:
- Corn on the Cob from Haymarket Farmer’s Market
- BBQ Ribs from Canyon Joe’s BBQ and Catering
- Ice Cubes and Chipped Ice
- Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds
- Sweet Treats and Ice Cream from Dairy Queen
- Beer and Soda
Corn and ribs can be especially hard on your dental restorations, loosening crowns and fillings. Ice cubes can chip your enamel and even your teeth. Sunflower seeds can get stuck between molars, and sweets may lead to decay.
Beer and soda can erode enamel.
I recommend careful chewing when it comes to ribs and corn on the cob. You should also avoid biting directly into these foods with restored or prosthetically anchored teeth.
Sucking on sunflower seeds is typically safer than chewing them, and never break the shells with your teeth.
It’s never a good idea to bite into ice!
If you indulge in sweets, beer, or soda, be sure to drink water afterward to clear debris from your teeth.
Practical Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy This Fall
- Schedule your next dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning.
- Brush and floss at least twice daily and always before bed.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth due to autumn winds.
- Report oral health changes to my dental office as soon as possible.
Remember that moderation is key. Enjoy your favorite foods and drinks during football season, but exercise restraint whenever possible.
Pickup Game? Protect Your Teeth with a Mouthguard
Sometimes watching the team play inspires pickup games with friends. It’s great exercise, but oral injuries are all too common — a ball to the face or an elbow to the cheek mid-tackle.
Your best protection is a custom mouthguard. Of course, you can find mouthguards in most sporting goods stores, but only a custom appliance provides sufficient protection because it stays in place and doesn’t move around.
If you plan to compete this season, talk to me about a custom mouthguard in Lincoln, NE.
Other Fall Festivities that Can Be Hard on Your Teeth
I’d be remiss not to mention Halloween. This is a time for sugary candies, caramel apples, cider, and a whole lot of fun.
Just remember to brush and floss your teeth after indulging. You should also supervise your little one to ensure they’re brushing correctly and spending enough time on their teeth. While tooth decay affects patients of all ages, kids are especially prone to cavities.
It’s important not to brush and floss immediately after eating candy. This can move debris around on the teeth and help the acids along. Instead, drink some water and wait at least half an hour before grabbing your toothbrush.
If you have questions, contact my dental team.
When You Have a Dental Emergency This Season
I wish you a happy and healthy Autumn, but if you need me, my team and I are here to help.
If you notice any changes in oral health during football season and tailgating, especially tooth sensitivity or pain, it’s important to contact my dental office as soon as possible to schedule an emergency dental visit at either of my Lincoln locations.
If you sustain an injury during a pickup game, you can stem the bleeding by biting down gently on the gauze. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use an ice pack to ease any discomfort as you await your emergency visit.
If you knock out a tooth while playing football, store it in a container of milk or saliva. With timely intervention, I can often reset the tooth into the socket.
If you have an impact injury outside the mouth, be sure to visit the local emergency room first. You can contact my dental office after you’ve been assessed and stabilized.
Scheduled Football Games to Enjoy
Click here for the full fall schedule, including home and away games. 
Meanwhile, members of my dental team hope to run into you at the upcoming home games, including:
- Nebraska vs. North Dakota – September 19
- Nebraska vs. Maryland – October 3
- Nebraska vs. Indiana – October 10
- Nebraska vs. Washington – October 31
- Nebraska vs. Ohio State – November 21
Contact My Dental Office to Schedule Your Next Checkup and Teeth Cleaning
To schedule your next checkup and teeth cleaning, or if you have questions for our dental team, call us today, and remember to ask about our savings plans.
Go Huskers!