Halloween is a magical time for kids. They get to plan a costume, dress up, and pretend to be their favorite mythical creature, superhero, or cartoon character for a night. They also have the opportunity to attend community events, go trick-or-treating, and of course, receive candy.

For parents concerned about their child’s dental health, excess sugar consumption during Halloween often triggers fears of tooth decay. However, it’s possible for most kids to enjoy treats in moderation without getting cavities, provided that parents implement a few preventative strategies at home.

To keep your child’s teeth healthy this Halloween, here are 4 easy yet effective tips you can follow.

While all candy can cause tooth decay, some sweets adhere to the teeth longer than others, increasing the risk of cavity formation. If possible, avoid giving your child chewy treats like taffy, licorice, and gummy worms. Hard candies that dissolve slowly in the mouth, such as lollipops, also lead to prolonged sugar exposure. In place of these treats, give your child chocolate (which rinses off the teeth easily), sugar-free candy, or candy-coated nuts.

Instead of allowing your child to snack on candy all day, let them have a few pieces with lunch or dinner. Restricting candy to mealtimes will limit the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth and help prevent enamel loss.

If your child received too much candy over Halloween, you can also offer to “buy back” some of it. Many kids will willingly trade some sweets for a small amount of money they can put towards a new toy or video game.

Ensure your child continues brushing and flossing daily throughout the Halloween season, and never let your child have candy after brushing their teeth in the evening. You should also encourage your child to drink a glass of water after eating sweets (to rinse sugar off the teeth) and chew sugar-free gum between meals. Chewing sugar-free gum helps prevent tooth decay by loosening plaque and increasing the production of saliva, which dilutes acid and remineralizes the teeth.

As any parent knows, keeping track of your child’s sugar consumption is challenging during Halloween. We therefore recommend booking a dental exam after Halloween season, especially if your child hasn’t seen the dentist in a while. Dr. Dalmao will remove any accumulated plaque from your child’s teeth (including areas below the gum line where your child’s toothbrush can’t reach) and teach you and your child how to brush and floss correctly, supporting better dental hygiene.

With preventative care, Halloween doesn’t have to be scary for your child’s dental health. Contact Dr. Dalmao today to arrange a dental exam for your child so your family can enjoy a safe, happy holiday.