If you're like me, you probably have tossed and turned in your sleep at the thought of young children eating massive amounts Halloween candy, without taking any precautions to maintain some form of dental hygiene.
Sure, it's Holloween, it's fun, and it's only once a year, but Halloween can also an opportunity to teach young children moderation and how to maintain dental hygiene during peaks times of overindulgence, a life lesson that far exceeds just this one day.
We don't want to kill the spirit and fun of Holloween, but we also want to teach our kids responsibility and discipline when it comes to long-term dental hygiene. Somewhere there is a perfect balance of both, and I hope you this month's newsletter helpful.
Limit the Amount of Candy the Kids Can Collect
Talk to your kids about how long they should have to collect candy or how large an area they should be allowed to cover. Also, don't give them the option of carrying large bags. Provide exceptionally cool smaller bags that cleverly relate to their costumes in some way.
Another option is to connect with the parents of your kids' friends to suggest a Halloween party on trick or treat night to reduce the amount of time for trick or treating. That way, all of the parents can participate in controlling how much candy each child receives and the kind of treats that are offered. Instead of candy, you might provide guest bags filled with fruit, bags of dried fruits, small toys, or gift certificates with similar prizes going to the winners of any party games.
After Trick or Treat, Help Sort the Candy
Explain to your children why it is essential that they not eat any of the candy until all of it has been carefully checked at home, even if they are old enough to have "heard it gazillion times before."
As you sort through the candy, put them into piles based on which types of candy are better for your children’s teeth, and which is worse. For example:
- Chewy candies like caramels and gummy worms stick to teeth
- Hard candies like lollipops take a long time to dissolve. Your kids' teeth will be exposed to the cavity-causing acids produced by the bacteria in their mouths for a more extended period
- Chocolate covered raisins or nut candies can go in another pile that is generally better
- Chocolate covered fluffy insides, like a three musketeers bar, are better still.
- Candy like Twix and Kit Kat bars has less caramel and chocolate, and a crunchy wafer center.
Decide How Much Candy Everyone Can Eat
Ask your children how much candy they think that they should be allowed to eat at one time. If you feel the amount is too high, explain why and set a goal for a lower amount that you think is more healthy and responsible.
If your kids have collected some extra candy, you might be able to freeze it to enjoy later.
If they have collected an excessive amount of candy, suggest donating some of the extra to a candy take-back program run by a local dentist, a shelter for homeless families, a food pantry, a children's hospital, or a retirement or nursing home. Bring your kids along and let them make their donation themselves.
Decide When the Kids Can Have Their Candy Treat
Set a specific time during the day when the kids can eat their candy. If they know that they can have their candy at a particular time, they are less likely to ask for it at other times.
Saving the candy to enjoy as an after dinner treat is a good strategy. The saliva produced during the meal counters the destructive acids produced by the bacteria.
This is an excellent way to get kids thinking about healthy foods and enjoying special treats in moderation without the need to avoid them entirely. You can even talk about people with food allergies or diabetes who do need to avoid certain foods and what those people might use as a treat in place of the foods they can't have.
When the Kids Finish Off Their Candy
Avoid giving them other sweet treats throughout the day and serve filling, balanced meals, so that your kids will be less inclined to want a snack.
You also can make brushing fun for young kids by making Halloween a time for taking them to the store to pick out a brand new Halloween toothbrush to replace a worn out old one.
Don't deprive your kids of Halloween. Instead, use Halloween to encourage your kids to develop healthy dental and eating habits.
About the Author
Dr. Marichia Attala is a leading Periodontist in Nassau County Long Island. Learn more by visiting her website at NassauCountyPeriodontist.com
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