It’s that time of year again, South Shore Trick or Treater’s – Halloween and our Candy BuyBack are here! Time to share some essential trick or treating tips to help keep teeth happy and healthy.
- It’s all about “what and when.” Candies that wash off the teeth (chocolate (especially dark chocolate), smarties, m&m’s, etc.) should be enjoyed directly after meal times as a dessert. Let your child pick one or two pieces at the end of lunch or dinner.
- Sticky, chewy candies and hard candies like jolly ranchers, skittles, starbursts (you get the idea!) cause the most damage to teeth. They will also pull off orthodontic appliances and sealants.
- Make sure the Halloween bag of candy is out of the house after a couple of days, earlier if possible. Avoid grazing or snacking on the candy bag throughout the day. Eating or drinking sugar too many times in the day is a leading factor of tooth decay.
- Halloween is a late night for most kids, but don’t forget to take two minutes to brush and floss after all of the fun!
- If your child has a food allergy, be on the look out for a teal pumpkin, which indicates the house has a candy-free option as a treat.
- On that note, consider giving out stickers or other fun prizes instead of candy – take it from us, kids love prizes!
- Have a safe and magical Halloween, fortunately for dentists it only comes once a year…
Our Halloween Buy Back will be from November 1-4, bring in all that extra unneeded and cavity causing candy for a prize bag and a chance to win some great prizes! Patients and non-patients are welcome, we will be donating the candy to Operation Gratitude.