- Balance is key! Instead of denying treats at Halloween, we recommend parents to teach their children about moderation.
- Keep hydrated! Bring a bottle of water for children to drink when trick or treating or snacking on treats. Water will keep children hydrated and help remove food residues from the mouth, preventing the proliferation of bacteria that can cause cavities.
- Offer alternatives! Replace those “scary” sugary treats with alternative, healthy options like:
- Sugar-free lollipops or gums
- No sugar added applesauce
- Prepackaged snacks like: pretzels, popcorn, nuts, etc
- Products made with natural sugar, such as Xylitol
- Halloween-inspired goodies like: Halloween-themed school supplies, bouncy balls, glow sticks, etc
- Encourage hygiene! Encouraging children to eat some cheese or drink milk after eating candy will help neutralize the acids left by food and prevent cavities and teeth erosion. And of course, brushing and flossing teeth after candy consumption is the best advice.
We hope you have a happy and safe Halloween! For more tips, or details on America’s Toothfairy, visit their website for more details.