The do’s and don'ts of Halloween candy
It's that time of year again! Halloween is finally here. With many options for Halloween candy, as well as some healthy alternatives, it can be hard to decide what is best for our children. To ensure your goblin, pirate or princess has a fun trick-or-treating experience this season, here is a list of do’s and don'ts when it comes to deciding what kind of treats are worth eating.
Safer candies for teeth and diet
The following types of candy are safer for teeth and diet, so let children indulge and enjoy!
- Sour candies – These candies have a lower glycemic index, so your child can eat them without worrying about wrecking their teeth or breaking their diet.
- Chocolate – Who doesn't love chocolate? It is delicious and full of flavonoids with anti-clotting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it contains heavy amounts of sugar that can lead to weight gain. Enjoy this sweet treat in lower quantities on Halloween.
- Hard candy – These candies, including suckers and lollipops, are the safest for your teeth, as long as you suck on them. They’re also a great choice for an after-dinner sweet.
How much candy is too much?
The amount of candy kids can eat every day without harming your teeth depends on a few different factors. First, consider how much sugar the type of candy contains.If there is too much sugar in an item, it's best if kids drink a glass of water and brush their teeth to avoid damaging teeth with the sugar.Another factor is how often they eat it. If they eat a piece of candy every day, odds are that some of those pieces will end up sticking around in the teeth, resulting in cavities or other issues. Don't let them overdo it! If they eat candy on Halloween night, they should eat it in moderation and probably not more than a few pieces.
Non-sugary alternatives
- Small plush toys – Most kids love stuffed animals, and small, Halloween-themed plush toys can be a fun surprise. If you are unable to find them locally, these can be found online to be easily purchased in bulk to ensure you have plenty for trick-or-treaters. (Just make sure that if you’re giving these to children under the age of 3, the plush doesn’t have any small pieces, such as plastic eyes or buttons, that could come off and become a choking hazard!)
- Stickers or stamps – Stickers and stamps are fun alternatives to candy. They are fun ways to promote creativity, whether decorating a notebook or making a fun Halloween craft.
Candy is a fun part of Halloween. At Bard & Didriksen Pediatrics, we want your children to enjoy the holiday to the fullest, while still being healthy. Monitor how much candy your child eats and make sure they brush their teeth after meals and floss before bed. This will help your child avoid cavities all season long. Contact us today for more information about our practice or for healthier, delicious treats this Halloween.
