Non-Candy Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating

The weather is finally cooling off, the leaves are changing color, and Halloween is right around the corner! It’s hard to not be excited about this time of the year, and if you have little ones, they’re probably looking forward to the mountains of candy they’ll collect while trick-or-treating. However, all of this candy can actually be quite hazardous for one’s oral health! Here’s more from your dentist about the link between sugar and oral health along with some Halloween candy alternatives you and your child can enjoy this spooky season!

The Link Between Sugar & Oral Health

You’ve probably heard your whole life that sugar can wreak havoc on your oral health if you aren’t diligent about brushing your teeth. Sugar forms enamel-eroding acids when it interacts with the bacteria inside your mouth, which significantly increases your chances of developing cavities! And children are unfortunately at a much higher risk of experiencing this since they often lack the fine motor skills or dedication to maintain optimal oral hygiene. And if your child is going through multiple pieces of candy in one evening, they’re exposing their teeth to copious amounts of cavity-causing bacteria!

Awesome Non-Candy Alternatives

Even though Halloween is often synonymous with candy, there are several other non-candy alternatives that can be just as exciting! Rather than the usual sugary sweets and treats, consider giving away items like these instead:

• LED rings and glow-in-the-dark bracelets.
• Halloween-themed stickers, stamps, bookmarks, and magnets.
• Small plush or rubber toys.
• Hair scrunchies.
• Key chains.
• Coloring books.
• Slinkies, mini skateboards, and fidget spinners.
• Play-Doh and Galaxy Slime.
• Glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth and other novelty items.

Tips for a White & Bright Smile This Halloween

In addition to opting for non-candy alternatives, there are other things you can do to help you and your child maintain a healthy smile this spooky season. Consider the following tips:

• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Establish flossing as a daily habit—it’s just as important as brushing!
• Eat candy during mealtimes, as the increased saliva production will help to wash away sugar and neutralize the cavity-causing acids it produces.
• Promote a healthy, vitamin-rich diet and drink plenty of water.
• Regular preventive dental visits.

You don’t have to hand out toothbrushes this Halloween to promote good oral health; there are several enjoyable, non-candy alternatives that are just as exciting as your favorite sweets and pose no risk of cavities!

About the Practice

The team at Blue Coast Dental Group is thrilled to serve the dental needs of the Torrance, CA area! The practice is fortunate to house four skilled specialists: Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour, Dr. George Cho, Dr. Maria Galvan, and Dr. Pedram Marhabi. They combine several years of experience to offer patients a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (310) 424-3100.