The season of ghosts and goblins has finally arrived to the delight of most children! Halloween also makes many parents fear the onslaught of sugar that compromises their children’s diets. This year, why not enjoy the fun but celebrate Dental Hygiene Month for a Healthy Halloween!

Choose healthy treats for trick-or-treaters! There are many options other than candy that can be given away. In fact, trick-or-treaters don’t need to be given candy at all. Popular non-food items include colorful pencils, erasers, stickers, and bubbles. Parents whose children have food allergies especially appreciate it. If you prefer to go with a food option, there are tons of single-serve snacks to choose from. Raisins, pretzels, baked chips, mini bottled water, and sugar-free gum are just a few.

Make a good plan for good hygiene for the sugary stash that you are bound to have after trick-or-treat as well. Experts recommend bagging up a few treats per day in individual mini baggies to avoid overeating. Even before the big day, spend some time with your children researching charities to donate excess candy too. Limiting the number of treats you keep can also go a long way to getting back to normal before the Christmas season hits with more temptation.

It is also important that adults, too, keep up with their good oral health habits as always. Brushing and flossing twice a day as well as keeping your scheduled dental appointments are essential. A little extra planning can make this the best October and Dental Hygiene Month yet, and ensure that it is a healthy one! From all of us at Finney Family Dentistry, Happy Halloween.