Advice on Halloween safety and how to enjoy Halloween without compromising the health of your children’s teeth and smile.
- Start by setting an example – choose a healthy alternative to hard, sticky candies to offer your own trick-or-treaters, i.e. pretzels or non edible items like stickers or tattoos.
- Make a definite plan to have them brush well when you return.
- When you head out – do not travel alone.
- Have kids wear reflective clothing and eat only individually wrapped treats
- Be aware of yours and their surroundings – masks can block their view of oncoming cars.
- Carrying a flashlight helps you see where you’re going and helps drivers see you as well.
- Have younger kids stay with you and older ones, who go with their friends, keep in touch with you at all times.
- Ration yourself and your kids – enjoy a few nibbles and then save the rest to enjoy in the future. Not too many sugary snacks on any given day!
- Share the loot – there is always someone who is unable to go Trick or Treating – you’ll make their day by sharing!
- If you have young children, go through their “loot” and take out gum, peanuts, hard candies and other choking hazards.
- One great alternative that seems to be popping up is town-wide events – they are much safer and eliminate much of the worry for parents.
I encourage any of our many readers to share more Halloween suggestions.
Dr. Marvin A. Fier has a dental practice in Pomona, NY.
