Halloween can be such a fun time of year! Between the creative costumes and the festive decorations, it’s hard not to feel like a kid in a candy store. Enjoy the sweet treats, too, but in moderation. Here are a few ways to get your mouth and body safely through this Halloween season.
* Know how much candy your child has collected and store it somewhere other than the child’s room. Having it so close can be an irresistible temptation.
* Be a role model for your children by eating Halloween candy in moderation yourself. To avoid temptation, but the candy that you plan to distribute at the last minute and get rid of any leftovers.
* Consider an exchange by allowing your child to pick out his favorites and then buy back his leftovers. You might be surprised at what your child will give up in exchange for a trip to a favorite store or more time for a favorite activity.
* Eat treats with meals. Saliva production increases during meals, flushing out food particles and helping to neutralize cavity-causing acids.
* Grab a piece of sugarless gum after meals. certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for scientifically proving that chewing the gum for 20 minutes after meals helps prevent tooth decay.
* Think of each chocolate bar as a reminder to follow the 1-2-3′s of good daily oral hygiene: Floss once a day, brush twice a day and eat three balanced meals a day.
You might also offer some alternatives to the trick-or-treaters who come to your door: * Non-food treats, like stickers, temporary tattoos, little bottles of bubbles and small games, tiny decks of cards or crayons. (Check party supply stores)
* Healthier snacks, such as small bags of pretzels, small boxes of cereal or sugar-free gum.
- kidshealth.org, www.ada.org
