Halloween is a fun time of year for kids. Aside from getting the opportunity to dress up as their favorite character, they get to indulge in sweet treats they may not be able to during other times of the year. The children’s dentists at La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry in Wisconsin say it’s alright for children to savor sweets during trick-or-treat season, but it should be done in moderation; otherwise, cavities could arise.

Here are five tips to help your kids fight off cavities during Halloween:

• Avoid Sticky Candies: Sticky, chewy candies are favorites for many kids, but they pose the most potential harm to teeth. These treats can easily become stuck between the grooves of teeth, which leads to tooth decay if not removed completely.
• Limit Consumption: You don’t need to deprive your children of candy during Halloween, but you should monitor how much they eat and limit their consumption. Let your kids pick out a couple of pieces on Halloween night and store the rest away for later.
• Choose Healthier Snacks: Instead of ooey-gooey candies, dentists suggest offering kids healthier treats, such as dark chocolate — which contains vital antioxidants — pretzels, or sugar-free gum. These options are less likely to cause damage to tooth enamel and are healthier in general for kids to consume.
• Drink Water: Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, washes away leftover candy pieces and sugar that clings to the teeth. Additionally, offering your child a glass of water before giving them candy will make them feel fuller, leaving them less likely to overindulge in sweets.
• Encourage Brushing & Flossing: It’s always important for kids to brush and floss their teeth after eating sugary candies and other sweets. Encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene habits and brush at least twice a day.

Aside from limiting candy consumption and practicing a good oral hygiene routine, the best bet for kids fighting off cavities during Halloween — and all year long — is visiting a children’s dentist regularly. To schedule a teeth cleaning for your kid, call western Wisconsin’s leading dental care center, La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry, at (608) 782-4054. For more information on this children’s dentist, visit their website.