It’s Halloween already, and this means there’s candy all over. This is one of those times during the year when we unleash the child in us as we go about those goofy costumes, house decorations and buy (and eat) as much candy as possible.
Many things are scary during Halloween. However, tooth cavities and bacteria build-up on your teeth should not be one of them.
With the growing concerns about oral health, people are getting more cautious about what they do and consume. However, while you may not wish to restrict yourself (or your kids) from having a good time during Halloween, there are a number of ways you can enjoy without worrying about your dental health deteriorating.
Here are the top tips to keep your teeth healthy during Halloween.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Halloween
It is a rule of thumb always to take care of your teeth, as getting dental issues is quite easy. Whether it is Halloween or not, it is essential to follow a dental healthcare regimen that includes proper hygiene and regular checkups.
Are you looking to keep your dental Halloween health in check? Here are the right tips for healthy teeth on Halloween you can follow:
Create a family dental care plan
It is always important to stay ahead and prepare your family for Halloween to ensure their oral health stays in check. One of the easiest and most convenient ways would be to schedule a visit to the dentist before the Halloween period kicks in.
Through a dental Halloween visit, your dentist can identify any potential issues with the teeth and resolve them before they are made worse during Halloween. By doing this, you ensure that while you or your kids may take a lot of candy during this season, you will not be damaging your teeth — something that standard oral cleaning will not resolve.
Moreover, if your kids had a Halloween costume thought of, they may get different braces colors from their orthodontist prior to Halloween festivities.
Maintain proper oral hygiene
Halloween is the period you must be even more faithful to your daily oral hygiene regimen. Ensure to brush your teeth regularly (recommended after every meal) and floss daily. Doing this helps eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria or issues brought about by consuming lots of candy during the day.
Even if you are under orthodontic treatment using the best teeth aligners, you have to be more cautious not to have any sugary deposits lying as they may increase your chances of getting dental issues.
How to Maintain Kids’ Oral Health During Halloween
Let’s face it, preventing your kids from consuming lots of candy during Halloween is nearly impossible — as this is the one time of the year they let loose and enjoy themselves the most. You may have to step up your responsibility of taking care of their oral health by upping their dental hygiene efforts.
As they take part in the ‘trick or treat’ activities, here are a few healthy teeth tips for kids on Halloween:
Ensure they follow proper oral health routines
Depending on their age, it is advisable to supervise your children as they brush and floss their teeth every day. If younger (eight years and below), it is advisable that you assist them in brushing their teeth properly, covering even the areas they often have trouble cleaning.
You may have to weigh between using an electric and manual toothbrush to determine the best option for your young one during this period.
The goal is to ensure that no leftovers or debris from the candy and sweets they consume are left lying on their teeth.
Plan it right
It is a no-brainer that allowing sugar to settle on your teeth for longer periods has a more detrimental impact on your oral health. Brushing off your teeth as soon as they are exposed to sugars enables you to keep your dental health in check, successfully preventing cavities and other oral concerns.
It is advisable to plan your time correctly, such that your kids are given the candies to feast on just after meals.
For instance, they can have them just after lunch or dinner instead of snacking on candy throughout the day. Since they will be required to brush their teeth after every meal, you can rest assured that no sugary deposits are left on their teeth for more extended periods. It is crucial to allocate time at least an hour after eating, as brushing immediately after meals is not recommended.
Drink plenty of water
Family dentists always recommend that little ones drink as much water as possible. Not only does this help with their overall body health, but water is also used to rinse the mouth. This removes and washes away the sugar and bacteria, leaving fewer things in the mouth to worry about.
Choose wisely
Halloween means lots of candy and sweets. There’s possibly no way you can now change the age-old tradition by eliminating sugar during this period, even if it is not good for your teeth. However, we have highlighted that with proper dental Halloween care, you may not have to get so much concerned about the detrimental impacts of consuming much sugar.
Nevertheless, it is recommended that you choose the right type of candy and sweets that your little ones get to feast on during Halloween. For starters, avoid fruity or sticky candy as they are known to notoriously get stuck to and in between teeth. Chocolate, for instance, can be a lot easier to clean from your teeth.
Be careful of fake prosthetics for teeth
Most Halloween costumes may only be complete with the addition of fake prosthetic teeth. Although these prosthetics may appear harmless, many reported cases of such products negatively impact children’s oral health.
Before approving any prosthetics for your children during Halloween, it would be prudent first to understand the nitty-gritty surrounding them and determine if your child is of the right age to use them, as they can be a choking hazard.
Moreover, ensure the adhesive used does not harm their teeth and gums; otherwise, it may bring about other unforeseen dental concerns. Fake braces for teeth have also become quite popular for Halloween, but you must be cautious about how your kids use them.
Healthy Halloween Treats Everyone Will Love
Trying to live a healthier lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to experience a boring Halloween. You can always spice up your Halloween by incorporating some ‘healthier’ options for treats that everyone will love. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Monster wraps: These mini sandwich wraps can become a graveyard smash, even for picky eaters. They are entirely customizable; you can add your favorite veggies, lean protein, hummus, and much more.
- Ghost pretzels: Appearing scary but sweet, ghost pretzels make the perfect healthy Halloween snack. They are also quite easy to prepare, and you can always be more creative in their design.
- Pumpkin Spice Granola Cups: Get even more creative with granola cups, which are pretty easy to make and can be the ideal healthy Halloween treats for adults and kids.
Healthy Halloween Snacks for Adults and Kids Alike
Instead of having to snack on sweets and candy all day long, you may decide to get a little bit more creative by trying out these healthy Halloween snacks for kids and adults:
- Peanut butter apple monster teeth: Apple teeth always make an excellent treat for Halloween. The marshmallows often make the kids overlook the healthy ingredients like apple and peanut butter, making this the ideal healthy alternative snack for Halloween.
- Pretzel cheese stick witch brooms: Refashioning a string of cheese into a Halloween witch broom is much easier than it sounds. Besides, you only need three key ingredients to make them: string cheese, pretzel sticks, and fresh chives.
- Bell pepper olive monster eyes:Bell pepper olive monster eyes may not be the easiest to make on this list, but they also don’t take up much time. However, they are worth a try as they make the perfect healthy Halloween snack, as they are not only sweet but also appear scary.
Final Thoughts: Healthy Teeth Are a Constant Challenge
Having healthy teeth is a constant challenge as you have to maintain a regular oral health regimen to take good care of your teeth. Even with the many candies and sweets your children may consume during Halloween, you can always rest assured of their oral health by ensuring proper hygiene. Moreover, you can also use our recommendations for healthy Halloween treats and snack options.
