Halloween is almost there. That means that your kids will start going treat-or-treating in the neighborhood.
If they are lucky, they can get lots of candies from friendly people. But, should you really allow them to eat so much sweets?
Children receive treats by candy chutes while trick-or-treating for Halloween in Woodlawn Heights on October 31, 2020, in New York City. The CDC shared on their website alternative ways to still celebrate the holiday while being safe.
If you are worried about your teeth this upcoming Halloween, here are some tips provided by a pediatric dentist that you can rely on.
Halloween 2023: How To Protect Kids' Teeth From Candies
Pediatric dentist Dr. Apoena Ribeiro of the University of North Carolina knows how to protect her beloved daughter's teeth from candies.
This is why she encourages her to enjoy the Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian. To keep dental dangers at bay, here's what Dr. Ribeiro suggested via The New York Times:
- Allow her daughter to eat candies during or after a meal since bacteria will target the food's carbohydrates instead of the candy's sugar.
- Minimize her daughter's candy consumption by telling her to sort candies into two piles; one for rejects and the other for her favorites. They'll donate the rejects and save her favorites instead.
- Dr. Ribeiro shows her daughter how to properly brush her teeth twice per day. Specifically, her child flosses before brushing and brushes her teeth at least one minute a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Tells her daughter to avoid gooey or chewy candies as much as possible, unless she eats them during or after a meal.
Other Tips To Protect Your Kids' Teeth From Candies
People trick-or-treat in a Brooklyn neighborhood on Halloween night on October 31, 2015, in New York City. Throughout the country, children and adults are dressing up in costumes to both scare and entertain as they make their way through neighborhoods collecting candy treats.
Dr. Ribeiro's suggestions are certainly helpful if you want to protect your kids' teeth while allowing them to enjoy sweets at the same time.
Aside from her tips, Franklin Family Dentistry also provided other methods that you can follow to prevent Halloween candies from rotting your children's teeth:
Hiding Candies
Hiding candies may not be the best method since it could ruin your children's enjoyment. But, if they are getting out of control, you can hide some of their sweets for other days. You can even tell them that it's a game where they need to find the candies around the house to get rewards.
Bargain With Healthy Snacks
If you don't want your kids to eat candies, you can bargain with them for a healthy snack. You can offer cherries, grapes, and other fruits that are also sweet.
Donate Excess Candies
If you want to reduce your children's candy consumption and teach them how to be good citizens, you can encourage them to donate some of their candies to other kids, especially those who are homeless. This will also be a great bonding experience since you will help those who are in need.
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