Five Dentist-Approved Tips for a Healthier, Happier Halloween

Halloween is around the corner, and children are about to be surrounded by candy and sweet treats galore! On average, kids can consume up to 7,000 calories and three cups of sugar on Halloween night alone. That’s a lot for one day!

Halloween is a beloved tradition, and we want families to enjoy it while also keeping oral health in mind. If your family celebrates Halloween, here are a few tips to help limit sugar intake in the days and weeks that follow:

1. Check candy together.
   After trick-or-treating, sit down with your child and sort through their candy haul. Make sure everything is safe for them to eat.

2. Set clear limits.
   Decide together how much candy they can enjoy that night. Then, store the rest of their candy in a common area—not in their bedrooms—to avoid easy access. Set daily limits for the days ahead.

3. Prioritize brushing and flossing.
   Be sure your child brushes and flosses before bed on Halloween night to remove any lingering sugar and prevent cavities.

4. Avoid early appointments the next morning.
   Kids are usually tired after an exciting night of trick-or-treating, so it’s best to skip early dentist or doctor appointments the next day.

5. Be extra careful with existing dental issues.
   If your child has untreated decay or a pending dental appointment, be diligent with brushing and flossing—especially after sticky or chewy candies. These can get trapped in cavities or broken teeth, sometimes leading to painful flare-ups or infections in the days following Halloween.

Most children’s dental offices see a few cases of tooth infections shortly after Halloween, but with these simple steps, you can help your child avoid any dental discomfort.

From all of us at Wild About Smiles, we wish you and your family a safe, fun, and cavity-free Halloween! 🎃🦷