Request Request Appointment Forms Download Our Forms Reviews Read Our Reviews Call Give us a Call Map View our Map
Call Map Email

7 Non-Candy Alternatives To Trick-Or-Treating

September 17, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — glenpoolbraces @ 1:29 pm
Closeup of children holding jack-o-lantern candy bags

The temperature is starting to drop, the leaves are beginning to change color, and school is back in session – spooky season is just around the corner! Even now, children are planning their costumes and dreaming of the endless amounts of candy they’ll get to indulge in. However, the copious amounts of sugar can wreak havoc on their teeth and gums. That’s why it’s best to pass out these Halloween candy alternatives this year!

How Sugar Negatively Affects Children’s Oral Health

For decades now, dentists have warned adults and children alike of the negative effects sugar has on oral health. But what exactly is it that makes it so bad? To start, the sugar forms an enamel-eroding acid when it interacts with the bacteria in your mouth, significantly increasing your chances of developing cavities. Children are especially at risk since they often don’t have the fine motor skills or dedication to completing their oral hygiene routine thoroughly. Since kids can easily blow through 5+ pieces in one night alone, you can see why there’s an uptick in cases of tooth decay during this time of year.

7 Fun Halloween Candy Alternatives

The good news is that there are plenty of Halloween candy alternatives that aren’t raisins. Instead of passing out the usual sugar-filled treats, consider giving away:

  • Lime green slime
  • Glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth
  • Themed magnets
  • Spooktacular stickers
  • Festive bookmarks
  • Entertaining mini skateboards
  • Fun bubbles

If you really have your heart set on passing out food, try individually wrapped pretzels or Goldfish. Although they aren’t particularly mouth-healthy, they are much better than typical trick-or-treat candies.

6 Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Smile Healthy During Spooky Season

If you have a child of your own, then it’s important to do your best to keep their teeth cavity-free. To help you do just that, here are a few best practices they should be following:

  • Brushing their teeth for two full minutes at least twice a day.
  • Flossing daily.
  • Eating candy during mealtimes. (The increased saliva production will help wash away the sugar and food particles).
  • Filling up on vitamin-rich foods, like raw veggies, lean protein, and healthy carbs.
  • If your child has braces, avoiding foods on the “do not eat” list.
  • Visiting their dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.

Halloween is a time for spooky décor and fun costumes, not cavities! So, help protect your child and the other children in your neighborhood from unwanted dental problems by passing out the above candy alternatives.

About the Author

After earning her dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Dalia Georgy completed extensive training at a number of notable institutes, including the F.O.R.C.E Int. and Myofunctional Research Center. As a result, she has an in-depth understanding of a variety of orthodontic treatment options, from traditional braces to Invisalign! If you’re interested in learning more about braces for yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to visit her website or give her a call at 918-201-1414.

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.