Halloween is an exciting time for kids in Joplin—costumes, pumpkins, and of course, the candy! While we want children to enjoy their treats, it’s important for parents to help protect their smiles from too much sugar. At Associates of Dentistry, we believe that with a few simple tricks, kids can have their candy and keep their teeth healthy too.

Choose Candy Wisely

Not all sweets are equal when it comes to cavities. Some candies are tougher on teeth than others:

• Sticky candies like caramels, gummies, or taffy cling to the teeth and linger longer.
• Hard candies dissolve slowly, exposing teeth to sugar for extended periods.
• Chocolate melts quickly and washes away more easily, making it a better choice if kids are craving something sweet.

Encourage your child to choose chocolate over sticky or hard candies when possible.

Set Candy Time, Not All Day

Instead of letting kids snack on candy throughout the day, set a “treat time.” Eating candy all at once (preferably after a meal) reduces how long teeth are exposed to sugar. This also makes it easier for kids to remember to brush afterward.

Drink Plenty of Water

After enjoying candy, give teeth a quick rinse by drinking water. Most tap water contains fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel and fight cavities naturally. Water also helps wash away sugar and food particles.

Keep Brushing and Flossing Fun

Halloween is the perfect time to remind kids about strong brushing habits:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss nightly to remove sticky candy bits between teeth.
• Consider giving your child a new toothbrush with a fun Halloween or fall theme—they might be more excited to use it.

Schedule a Post-Halloween Checkup

Fall is a great time for a dental checkup. If your child hasn’t had their cleaning yet this year, November is the perfect month to schedule one. Our friendly team at Associates of Dentistry will make sure their smile stays healthy long after the candy is gone.