Trick-or-treating may be for the kids, but it’s not unusual for the whole family to indulge in sweets around Halloween. As you enjoy the spoils, it’s important to set limits and maintain a good dental care routine to prevent cavities. Here are some tips to help your family have a fun and healthy Halloween.

Do:

Offer trades for excess candy.

A big candy haul is exciting for kids but can become a problem for dental care and health. If you’re worried about your child eating too much candy, trading may be an effective solution. Offer to trade a portion of their sweets for something else they want. 

You could suggest a toy, a trip to the movies, an extra bedtime story, or a sleepover with friends. Hard candies expose teeth to sugar for extended periods and chewy treats tend to stick to teeth, so consider prioritizing these particularly problematic sweets for trades.

Brush or rinse after eating.

The longer sugary foods are left on teeth, the more damage they do. This is because the bacteria in the mouth have more time to feed on it and produce acids and plaque. To minimize the harm, make sure everyone cleans out their mouth after having candy. They can drink water or rinse their mouth, but the best way to remove sticky sweets and sugar is by brushing their teeth.

Don’t:

Snack throughout the day.

With so much candy, it can be tempting to pick through the stash and snack throughout the day. Avoid eating sweets periodically and try to keep kids from doing the same. Portioning treats at scheduled times is a good way to limit overindulging. Let everyone pick out a couple of pieces for dessert after dinner, have some during snack time, or pack a few in your child’s lunch box. 

Keep candy in the bedrooms.

Stowing candy in the bedroom increases the temptation for snacking at inappropriate times. Children might see bedtime as the perfect opportunity to eat sweets without a parent around to stop them. Store candy in a closet, pantry, or a high shelf, out of reach for little ones.

Make sure your family maintains a bright, healthy smile with the help of Stephanie ML Wong, DMD. Based in Honolulu, Dr. Stephanie Wong and her team offer warm, friendly, and comfortable dental care for patients of all ages. From tooth fillings and orthodontic treatment to teeth whitening and oral cancer screenings, they are committed to providing comprehensive and affordable oral healthcare. Call (808) 732-3072 today to schedule an appointment. For more information about services, visit them online.