Trick or treat! Halloween is just around the corner, and chances are, your kids can't wait to dig into the candy. But what about the effects of all that sugar on their oral hygiene? The kids’ dentists at Pedodontic Associates know parents want to protect their children's teeth while still letting them enjoy the holiday. 

As the best pediatric dentists serving Honolulu, Central Oahu, and Maui, Pedodontic Associates specializes in children's dental care. They understand the specific challenges parents and children face when building healthy habits, like cutting sugar—and that's why they are trusted by so many families in Hawaii. 

Want to know how to keep your kids’ teeth and gums healthy during Halloween? Check out these four tricks for parents and kids:

Restrict Access, But Don’t Ban Candy Entirely

You don’t have to skip Halloween to protect your kids’ oral health. It's better for you to monitor their sugar intake instead of prohibiting them entirely. Once they return from trick-or-treating, have each child choose 10 candies and then hide the rest away so they aren't tempted.

Create A Designated “Treat Time” 

Moderation is the overall theme of what you should teach your children during Halloween. It's fine to have a little candy now and again, but it's not meant to be eaten all day long. Make a set time of day where your child can enjoy a few sweet treats.

Dental Care Schedule 

After eating candy, ask your kids to brush their teeth. This is a good practice to follow any time your family enjoys a sugar-filled dessert, not just on Halloween.

Make Dental Care Fun 

Keep tooth brushing fun by letting your child pick out a toothbrush and toothpaste themselves. Many toothbrushes feature fun designs or their favorite TV characters. The kids’ dentists from Pedodontic Associates encourage parents to choose toothpaste with fluoride as an additional defense against cavities and decay. On their website, the American Dental Association offers a few tips about choosing the right amount of fluoride toothpaste for your child based on their age.

With these dental care tricks, your kids can enjoy candy in a way that's healthy not just for their teeth and gums, but for their growing bodies and minds as well.

If you’re looking for a kids’ dentist you can trust, look no further than Pedodontic Associates. Call (808) 487-7933 to schedule teeth cleanings for your children in Aiea; call (808) 735-1733 for a pediatric dentistry office in Honolulu; or call (808) 877-0066 if you live in Kahului. You can also visit them online to learn more.