Many would argue that everything is better in autumn. Football fans come out of hibernation, crunchy leaves excite the senses, and pumpkin lattes comfort the soul. Celebrate the season with these 5 spins on traditional fall favorites:

 

1. Bob for Apples 

Take a nosedive into a bucket full of apples! And, if you’re awarded best bobber, your teeth will win too. Apples have a high water content, which helps dilute the sugar they contain. Crunchy fruits require chewing, which stimulates saliva flow, thus reducing leftover food particles.

2. Candy < Corn

Aw, shucks! Whether popped or on the cob, corn is one of our tooth-healthy fall favorites. Corn contains fiber, a mineral that can help reduce plaque. Additionally, popcorn contains high levels of polyphenols, a substance that suppresses tooth bacteria.

Don’t get us wrong — we love an occasional handful of candy corn. But make sure to brush and floss your pearly whites afterward for a sweet smile.

3. Dress-up 

As long as it doesn’t get stuck in your teeth, lettuce is a scary-smart selection. Like apples, salad starters such as romaine and kale increase saliva flow, which helps eliminate plaque.

And if salad were a holiday, it would be Halloween. The lettuce is like an ordinary, routine day. But just like a costume, if you dress it up, it becomes a celebration! Dress up your lettuce — make a salad with fresh fruit or lean protein. You can also make your own homemade dressing. To keep teeth happy, try one of these low-sugar vinaigrettes.

4. Collect Candy

Candy is to Halloween as blood is to Dracula. Indulge the holiday’s temptations — to a certain extent! Many dentists participate in Halloween Candy Buyback programs. They’ll donate your extra candy or in some cases, pay you! Remember to save some for the family, but enjoy your sweet stash in moderation.

5. Carve Pumpkins

After you perfect your pumpkin, make your ‘jack a snack! Pumpkin pulp is filled with enamel-building Vitamin A, fiber and potassium. Keep those seeds in sight too —pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, a nutrient that can strengthen teeth. Pump up your cooking game with one of these delicious recipes.

Get out there and fall for the season (after you jump in a pile of leaves, of course).