Healthy teeth vs. Halloween treats: Smart tips for managing Halloween loot
Massive tidal waves of sugar tend to hit hardest at Easter, Halloween, Christmas – and of course, during peak birthday party season. We get it – even us dentists have a sweet tooth, and enjoying festive treats is half the fun, right?
So, how do you combat the deluge of lollies while still letting the kids have fun and looking after those tiny teeth? Don’t worry, we’ve got some fang-tastic tips to make sure your little monsters’ smiles stay healthy!
How much sugar can trick-or-treating teeth handle?
For kids under two, the recommended daily amount of ‘free sugars’ is exactly zero teaspoons. For older children, the upper limit is six teaspoons per day – but here’s the catch: even one small glass (250ml) of fruit juice can pack that much sugar!
Now, we’re not here to play the Halloween fun police or suggest you hand out apples as Halloween loot (we don’t want your house getting TP’d either!).
But keep in mind that growing teeth can only handle a small amount of sugar per day, so let that guide you as you navigate meal planning during the season’s sweet chaos.
Halloween’s about having a blast, not about dental disasters. Enjoy treats but keep an eye on the amount of sugar being consumed in a day.
Tip 1: Ban loot grazing during the day
Snacking on sugary treats all day? Nightmare for teeth! Why? Because teeth (and tummies) need a break. Continuous sugar exposure doesn’t give those pearly whites any time to rest and repair.
It’s better to have sweets in one go, preferably at dessert time, when there’s less time for plaque to grow before brushing.
Here’s how to make that happen:
- Set clear boundaries: Before trick-or-treating, let your little one know the deal – lollies are a special treat that are saved for after meals or as dessert.
- Use a ‘lolly bank’: Set up a candy bank where your child can stash their loot. They can make a ‘withdrawal’ after dinner each night, making it a fun way to ration their spoils.
- Incorporate treats into meal time: Serve sweets as part of dessert after a balanced meal. This not only controls sugar intake but also makes it less likely they’ll overindulge.
Tip 2: The loot treasure chest has got to go
A little indulgence on Halloween night? Totally fine! Weeks of hoarding and munching on leftover loot? Not so sweet.
Allow your child to enjoy a reasonable number of treats, and once the fun’s over, encourage them to donate, trade, or toss the rest.
If your little pirate is reluctant to part with their treasure, try a trade-in system: swap lollies for non-food rewards like extra screen time, a small toy, or a fun outing. That way, they’re still winning!
Have sweets in one go, preferably at dessert time, followed by a good brushing!
Make sure the lolly loot bucket is only here for a good time, not a long time!
Tip 3: Monkey see, monkey chew: Lead by example with your own treats
Kids pick up on everything – especially the things we hope they don’t! No one likes a double standard, so make sure to lead by example and keep your own candy cravings in check.
And if they see you enjoying sweets in moderation, they’re more likely to do the same
Trick or teeth? You decide!
At the end of the day, Halloween is all about fun, and a little candy won’t do much harm if you manage it right. Just remember to brush away those sugary ghosts and goblins after dessert – because the real fright would be an unexpected visit to see us after the spooky season!
Happy haunting and even happier brushing! 🦷🎃