Halloween season brings costumes and candy, but it can also be the perfect time to teach kids that healthy habits can be part of the fun, too! With a few simple tricks, you can turn Halloween into a chance to teach little ones how to care for their smiles without taking away the sweetness of the season.
Talk About Candy — and Choices
Halloween and sugar go hand in hand, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Instead of saying “no” to treats, use it as a chance to introduce your kids to the Mouth Monsters — those sneaky little troublemakers who love sugar and sticky candy!
When Tartar the Terrible, Ginger Bite-Us, and Tooth D.K. munch on leftover candy, they make a sticky mess that can hurt teeth and cause cavities. The good news? We can stop them!
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) is a better choice because it doesn’t cling to teeth the way sticky or sour candies do. Encourage kids to enjoy their favorites in moderation, and try to have candy shortly after a meal instead of snacking all day. That way, the Mouth Monsters don’t get as many chances to attack!
Simple Tricks to Outsmart the Mouth Monsters
Even small steps make a big difference:
- Drink water after candy to rinse away sugar that feeds the Mouth Monsters.
- Avoid grazing on candy all day — frequent sugar exposure gives them more chances to cause trouble.
- Brush for two minutes to a spooky song to make brushing time more exciting.
- Make brushing an activity you do together. The Mouth Monsters don’t stand a chance when everyone joins in!
- Visit your pediatric dentist twice a year to keep teeth strong and check that no Mouth Monsters are hiding out.
Halloween is the perfect time to start conversations about taking care of our teeth. Use this time to remind kids that every time they brush, floss, and make smart choices, they’re defeating the Mouth Monsters and keeping their smiles healthy!