Halloween season is here, and all parents know what that can entail: costumes, parties, parades…and also kids whining for treats and candy! How do we help our kids have a healthy Halloween while also enjoying this holiday to the fullest? As a parent, you may wonder if it’s possible to savor this fun season AND keep your child’s oral health on the right track. Rise and Shine Pediatric Dentistry is here to help with some tips for how to celebrate Halloween festivities and maintain healthy habits with your child’s dental care.
Help your kids make positive choices
Dr. Villasenor is an advocate of enjoying things in moderation, and for empowering your child by teaching them to make positive choices. The most impactful foods on your child’s oral health are what they eat most often in their daily routines, so it’s okay to enjoy the occasional treat. Teaching your child to choose one piece of candy to eat after they fill up on other foods for lunch or dinner will help them feel involved in the choice to care for their teeth (and body!) We also encourage parents to help their kids understand the impact of what we eat on how we feel. Reminding them that too much candy makes their stomachs hurt is one way to do this.
Focus on other fun parts of the holiday
You can also shift your child’s focus toward the social aspects of Halloween. Take for example the fun involved with creating and wearing costumes- it’s not all about the candy! Involve your child in choosing a costume and seek school or neighborhood events where they can enjoy being dressed up and playing with friends. Additionally, when it’s your turn to choose Halloween treats to give away, consider non-food items. Treats such as stickers, bubbles, or colorful pencils can be enjoyed by children who have food allergies and also limit the amount of sugar your child eats in the days following Halloween.
Dr. Villasenor and the Rise and Shine Pediatric Dentistry team are here to support your family as you try to have a healthy Halloween and continue to build habits to set your child up for a lifetime of oral health! Call our office at 303-758-0223 to schedule an appointment today!