Just because Halloween is approaching, doesn’t mean you have to fill your house with candy. Most people have a hard time resisting temptation, especially in the form of fun-sized chocolates sitting in a large bowl on their kitchen tables. While a few pieces of candy won’t ruin your diet or your smile, too much of any kind of sugar can definitely cause problems. That is why most pediatric dentists recommend alternatives to traditional trick-or-treat fare. And that doesn’t mean you need to give out travel-sized toothbrushes to all the ghosts and ghouls that will visit you this Halloween! There are lots of fun treats that aren’t sugary sweet, that the kids will still love and that will be kinder to their smiles than too much candy.
Does a “treat” need to be edible?
Nothing dictates that Halloween treats have to be eaten to be enjoyed. Think outside the usual sweets, and opt for a small game or toy instead. Dollar stores are filled with affordable alternatives that will still bring smiles to kids’ faces, and won’t cause damage to them either. Popular choices include glow sticks or bracelets, stickers or temporary tattoos, small games or puzzles. You can even find small boxes of crayons, seasonal pencils or silly erasers or other art supplies, perfect for trick-or-treaters or to hand out as prizes at festivals and carnivals. Most kids like spooky items as well, like plastic spider rings or not-too-scary plastic fangs.
Do dentists only recommend toothbrushes?
Protecting smiles doesn’t have to mean being the house on the block that dolls out toothbrushes instead of chocolate. It just means providing healthier alternatives to sugar-laden treats. There are low-sugar alternatives to candy that still make great treats if you want to give the kids something edible. Try small boxes of raisins or crackers, for instance. You could also give out tiny bottles of water, dressed up with Halloween-wraps that can make them festive and which make a great form of refreshment for thirsty trick-or-treaters.