Halloween is filled with candy and fun, but it can also be tough on children’s teeth.
Here are practical tips to help your kids enjoy the festivities while keeping their dental health in check.
Enjoy Halloween candy with meals
When it comes to sweets and your teeth, timing matters.
Having a little candy during or right after a meal helps because your mouth produces more saliva, which naturally washes away sugars and acids.
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Avoid frequent sugary snacks
Constant snacking increases the risk of cavities, especially if you choose sugary treats.
If you need an energy boost, go for nuts, fruits, vegetables, or low-sugar crackers instead.
Skip sticky and sour candies
Hard, chewy, and sticky candies tend to cling to teeth and heighten the risk of decay.
Sour candies are particularly harmful, as their acids wear down tooth enamel. It’s best to skip these altogether unless they’re sugar-free.
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A little chocolate is fine
In small amounts, chocolate is a better choice than many other candies since it doesn’t stick to teeth as much.
Dark chocolate is even better because it contains less sugar than milk chocolate.
Don’t keep a big stash of candy
It’s tempting to save leftover Halloween treats, but your teeth will thank you if you don’t.
Let your family pick their favorites and share the rest with your friends and neighbours.
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Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating can help prevent cavities.
It increases saliva flow, which helps clean the mouth and neutralize acids.
Choose fun non-candy treats
Instead of handing out candy, consider small gifts like stickers, coloring books, crayons, or fun pens and pencils. They’re healthier options that still make kids happy.
Consider the age of your trick-or-treaters
When choosing non-candy gifts, keep children’s ages in mind. Make sure small children receive safe items without tiny parts that could be swallowed.
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Keep up good oral hygiene after the holiday
After Halloween, make sure kids continue brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with water after eating sweets.
Build healthy habits year-round
Halloween is a great opportunity to talk about healthier choices and build habits that last all year. It’s not about restrictions, but about balance and awareness.
Celebrate with creative activities
You can make Halloween fun and tooth-friendly by focusing on creative activities like pumpkin carving or costume parties instead of candy.
It’s a festive way to enjoy the season without a sugar overload.
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This article is based on information from Mouthhealthy.org.