Autumn is here! It's no wonder autumn is the favourite season of many in our office. The morning air is crisp but not cold, it's getting dark earlier but not before dinner, and comfy sweaters and scarves can come out of the closet but there's no need for winter jackets just yet! This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, so ghosts and goblins will be out early and all through the night. Be careful as you drive through your neighbourhood. As always, with Thanksgiving and Halloween kicking off the holiday season, remember not to overindulge too early and avoid binging too much. Even scarier than Halloween is the approaching cold and flu season. October is Influenza Immunization Awareness Month. The flu is highly contagious and the severity of its effects can differ vastly between individuals. Whether you choose to get vaccinated or not, you can help stop the spread of the flu by avoiding people who are sick, properly covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands frequently, not touching your face, and - most importantly - staying home when you are sick! What's Your Plan? Is your dental insurance plan based on the calendar year? If so, your coverage maximums start over on January 1st, and your unused benefits may not roll over into the New Year. That means if you don't use them, you lose them! If we haven't seen your smile in a while, be sure to schedule an appointment today.

More than 40% of children experience tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. This statistic is alarming! From late night doctor visits to diaper changes, you've worked hard to take care of your child. Wouldn't it be nice to not have to worry about tooth decay? Your child's oral health care should start early! You should schedule your child's first dental visit when they are between 6 months and one year old. It is important to check those erupting teeth as they are prey for decay as soon as they appear! How to prepare your child: To prepare your child for their first visit you need to let them know what to expect so they won't be surprised or startled. The key is to be patient and remain calm. This way your child won't react to your anxiety. To learn more about how we treat your child's dental health, click here.

What a beautiful time of year! The leaves are colourful, apple picking is giving way to pumpkin season and warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger capture our senses. But let's face it, sugar is what makes October so popular! If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, there are countless alternatives to the empty calorie treats October is renowned for. This month we are featuring a delicious fall recipe for cinnamon baked apples! They are naturally sweet, full of fibre and can be quite visually appealing when topped with maple syrup, raisins and some nuts. Click here for a recipe to get you started!