Did you know that the average kid consumes three cups of sugar on Halloween? So, it’s not surprising that cases of tooth decay spike during this time of year! To help keep your child’s smile decay-free (as well as the smiles of the kids in your neighborhood), consider passing out these fun Halloween candy alternatives.
Why You Should Opt for Non-Candy Treats This Halloween
With the average child eating three cups of sugar on Halloween, spooky season might as well be called sugar season. Since tooth decay can quickly wreak havoc on both the look and function of growing smiles, it’s best to incorporate some non-candy treats as well. That way, your child and their neighborhood friends won’t end the year with a mouthful of cavities!
7 Fun Alternatives to Halloween Candy
If you feel inspired to go the non-candy route this Halloween, then consider passing out:
- Glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth
- Halloween-themed bookmarks
- Mini skateboards
- Stickers
- Snack bags
- Bubbles
- Brain-shaped erasers
5 Additional Tips for a Decay-Free Halloween
Of course, maintaining a decay-free smile is about so much more than just refraining from added sugar. To help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy, make sure they:
- Brush twice a day – Your child should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth for a full two minutes.
- Floss daily – Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface of your child’s teeth. To prevent cavities from forming between their teeth, make sure they floss each evening.
- Visit their dentist biannually – Your child’s six-month dental checkups should begin around the first birthday (or when their first tooth emerges) and extend throughout their childhood and into adulthood.
- Eat mostly well-balanced meals – While treats are certainly okay, it’s important to also fill their diet with nutrient-dense, well-balanced meals.
- Avoid unhealthy dental habits – Nail-biting, using their teeth as tools to open things, and chewing on ice are a few behaviors that make this list.
It’s important to know that a candy-free Halloween doesn’t have to be a boring Halloween. In fact, you can find some treats that the children in your neighborhood will genuinely enjoy and save them from cavities!
About the Practice
From infants to adults, dentistry is all about prevention. That’s why our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics focuses on providing thorough checkups and cleanings as well as dental sealants and fluoride treatments! Plus, if a cavity does develop, we offer conservative, efficient, and metal-free restorative care that will restore the look and function of your child’s smile in no time. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (603) 880-5002.