Halloween is scary in more ways than one. Not only do all the ghosts and goblins come out, it’s the single biggest candy day of the year. Between the sugar overload, the tricky costumes and the treat filled parties, there’s no easy way to protect your children’s teeth.
According to a 2011 survey by DeltaDental, 60% of dentist hand out candy and only 5% hand out toothbrushes to trick or treaters. The key to a happy, healthy Halloween is making smart choices and following a few simple rules.
Before Halloween rolls around:
- Select a costume for your child that is the proper length. Unfamiliar walkways, dark streets and sidewalks and uneven porch steps combined with a too long hem are trip and falls waiting to happen. Protecting your child’s teeth is about more than eating candy. And don’t forget to check the batteries in the flashlight!
- Buy better treats. Miniature chocolate bars, stickers, glow sticks and small toys are all good alternatives to hard candy, gummy animals, sugary drink boxes and pop, caramels, crispy peanut butter bars, fruit snacks and rollups and other nut filled offerings.
- Another smart choice is sugar-free gum. Sugar-free gum containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol is effective in combating the bacteria in plaque and fighting the acid that eats away at enamel. Chewing gum also stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps cleanse the teeth. When in doubt, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the package.
On Halloween night:
- Have a balanced meal before trick or treating. A child with a full tummy is less tempted to eat candy before mom and dad can inspect their candy for safety.
- In addition, a sensible diet contributes to overall well-being, including healthy teeth and gums.
- Ration the loot. Inspect your child’s candy for open or suspicious packages, any items they
