Teeth friendly halloween treats for children!

Trick or treating for Halloween can become a little challenging if you are worried about your child’s oral health this holiday season. While your dentist will tell you that no candies can ever do any good, there are a few options in the candy aisle that are healthy and can also keep up the spirit of Halloween.

1. Chocolates without sticky fillings– sticky candies get stuck in between the teeth and can cause tooth decay. Milky chocolates however, can act as good substitutes for calcium.
2. Sugar free gums– no sugar is absolute good news! Moreover, using sugar free gums increase saliva production that can help prevent tooth decay.
3. Pumpkin cookies– these are one of the best non-candy alternatives that you can make at home or buy at your local grocery store. You can also choose to buy mini packets of raisins, pretzels, goldfish or granola bars as healthy alternatives to chewy candies.
4. Fruit slices– making kids eat fruits during Halloween can be a task. Presentation is the key here. Shape apples into scary looking shapes. Orange  segments can be eaten just the way they are. You can pack this goodness with other candy treats to reduce consumption of the usual sweet treats.

Too much sugar in candies, sticky or otherwise, become food for bacteria in the mouth causing plaque build-up and also tooth decay. Here are some tips to have a great time this holiday season:

• Moderation is the key – let kids know that eating candies cannot be an all-day affair.
• Make a time table – setting particular times in a day will limit candy intake and  restrict them to eating candies only during that time of the day. Avoid giving kids candies during dinner time, when the remnant sugar can stick between their teeth overnight and invite bacteria to create havoc.
• Out of sight, out of mind – once the kids are back from a Halloween party or from trick or treating, ask them to choose their favorite candies from the bag. Pack away the not so favorite candies. Freeze them or donate them to a food bank.

To know more on child dentistry, contact Green Meadow Dental, at 3579 B Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111 (860)-865-0056 . Families from Farmington find the easy drive to Newington well worthwhile because or our expertise and modern facilities, our friendly dental team and the relaxing disposition of Dr. Mukund.We also service patients from surrounding areas including Berlin, Hartford and Rocky Hill.