GLAD Specialized Family Dentistry

Halloween is the holiday that most kids look forward to! Therefore, we wanted to give you some tips on how to enjoy the holiday and, at the same time, stay healthy and take good care of your teeth. 1. Remember to be safe , Bring a flashlight with you to avoid falls and accidents, stay attempt of your surroundings and vehicles, do not run with a lollipop or hard candy in your mouth, and remember to wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you get home. 2. Give out healthier treats. Avoid giving trick-or-treaters candies that are sour (high in acidity, which erodes tooth enamel), sticky or chewy (leaves sugars directly on the teeth for prolonged periods) or hard (choking hazard for young kids and can cause tooth damage). There are many options for healthy snacks including things like cereal bars, pretzels or granola bars. Even a plain chocolate bar is a better option than sour, sticky or hard candies 3. Perform the “safety check.” Take a look when your child returns from trick-or-treating to ensure there are no dangerous items in their collection. Include your child in this process to explain the decisions you make and allow them to learn good habits. 4. Sort it out. Encourage your child to eat the healthier treats and avoid hard, sour or chewy candies like jawbreakers or caramels. These candies have high acidity and/or stick to the teeth longer, which can cause more damage. 5. Limit availability. Candy should be enjoyed, but moderation is important. Have your child choose 15 or so of their favorites and remove the rest. 6. Donate or store away extra candy. Consider donating candy or keep it stored away. 7. Brush-up after consuming. Set a specific time of the day for candy consumption and then have your child follow-up by brushing his or her teeth. This is much healthier than allowing your child’s teeth to be continuously exposed to sugary or acidic treats throughout the day. Although Halloween is a great opportunity to start employing these practices, don’t stop there! Continue to follow these recommendations throughout the year so your children can develop good dental hygiene habits while still enjoying their treats in moderation.