How to Avoid a Candy Overload This Halloween

Trick-or-Treat! It’s almost that time - that time when your home overflows with all kinds of sticky, chewy candies. Sound’s like a dental nightmare, no?

But Halloween doesn’t have to be coated in sugar! Here are a few tips on how to avoid a kid candy coma:

Treat Your Kids in Moderation

Agree ahead of time of how much your kids are allowed to have and during what times. When they are done trick-or-treating, allow them to pick out a few pieces for the night. Put the rest of the candy out of sight (out of mind!). Set up a “treat time” and reward your kids when the time is right.

Upcycle Candy

Just because your children shouldn’t eat all of the candy doesn’t mean you can’t use all of the candy! Put some of the candy aside for holiday projects like gingerbread houses or valentines day cards! You can even use it as an advent calendar - countdown the 25 days ‘til Christmas with a piece of candy a day.

Donate Candy

Avoid a temper tantrum from taking your children’s candy away and let them donate it instead! Find a local organization that allows candy buyback’s in your area - like us here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental - in turn, they collect the candy and send it off to be distributed to troops overseas.

Choose Alternate Treats

Candy isn’t the only thing that makes children happy. Switch out some of their candy for prizes - stickers, school supplies, or small creative toys will do! You’ll be surprised at how much your child will enjoy receiving a surprise that isn’t a sticky, tasty treat.

Enjoy your Halloween - treats and all! But remember, brush for two minutes after indulging in any sticky or sugary sweets! If you have any questions about how to improve your child’s oral health, give us a call! We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Visit our website to learn more.

Candy Buy Back Program!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Not all Halloween candies are created equal. When it comes to healthy teeth, some choices are better than others.

Even though Halloween is over, there’s plenty of candy around. If you’re still sorting out your kids treat’s this year, we wanted to provide a guide to make sure you separate the good treats from those mouth monster favorites:

We know most kids don’t look forward to Halloween for the dark chocolate and sugar-free gum, and that’s okay! If your kids are indulging in any kind of candy, make sure they also drink plenty of water to dislodge particles around their teeth, then finish up with brushing and flossing. 

For any unwanted candies, feel free to bring them into our offices to participate in our Candy Buy Back program! Now through November 14th, if you bring in your candy you will be entered into our contest to win a $25 gift card to the movies! All donated candy will be shipped over to our troops. 

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.  

Participate in our Candy 'Buy Back' Program!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Special announcement! Our offices will be doing a candy 'buy back' program in order to donate Halloween candy to the troops! We are giving out 1 raffle ticket per pound of candy which will enter you in the contest for a $25 gift card to the movies.

So try not to let your kids overload on sweets this Halloween and instead bring some in from November 1st - 9th to enter the raffle. Not sure which candy you should keep and which candy you should donate? See our list below for the best and the worst treats:

The Good:

• Plain chocolate is actually one of the best candies kids can treat themselves to on Halloween. It melts quickly and decreases the amount of time sugar is in contact with your teeth.
• Sugar free gum is great for kids to have after eating, it increases saliva which then works to wash the teeth and neutralize some of the acid produced by bacteria.

Be cautious of:

• Sugar filled candies - pixie stixs, fun dip, nerds, smarties, candy corn, etc. These all contain a high amount of sugar which can cause tooth decay.
• Sticky sweets - taffy, gummy candies, jelly beans. These all get stuck in the crevices between the teeth making it hard for saliva to wash away.
• Sour candies - sour patch kids. These candies have a higher acidic content, which can break down tooth enamel.

No matter what candy your kids decide to indulge in, make sure they rinse with water and brush after consumption. And remember - a proper oral routine makes sure the occasional sweets don't do any harm!