With Halloween on the horizon, eager kids are already planning costumes and anticipating the haul of candy they’ll get from trick-or-treating. While those sweet treats are undoubtedly delicious, they pose a threat to your little one’s oral health. Follow these tips to avoid a Halloween candy binge that could result in baby teeth damage. 

3 Ways to Protect Kids’ Baby Teeth From Halloween Candy

1. Get a Small Bag for Trick-or-Treating

Don't just give your child a pillowcase to fill up with candies. Instead, get them a cute, smaller bag to use, like one with an image of their favorite Disney character. They will likely conclude their trick-or-treating when the bag is full, bringing home less than they would have with a large sack.

2. Specify Set Times for Indulging

If your child eats candy all day, sugar will coat their baby teeth constantly. This attracts bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Designate after dinner as the time to indulge since children brush their teeth to prepare for bed not long after.

3. Offer Healthier Alternatives

Keeping kids full on healthier foods will prevent them from overdoing it when candy time arrives. Give them a full meal at dinner, and have them clean their plate. Afterward, offer healthier Halloween-themed treats to tempt them away from more sugary candies. Let these recipes for healthy Halloween cookies inspire you.

After the last of the Halloween candy is gone, schedule a teeth cleaning for your kid at Pedodontic Associates of Honolulu, HI. With locations on both Oahu and Maui, these professionals have provided top-quality pediatric dental care to Hawaii's families for over 25 years. Plus, they’re accredited by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Visit their website for a look at reviews from satisfied parents. For a kids’ dentist appointment, call the location nearest you: (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.