7 Halloween Candy Alternatives to Keep Smiles Cavity-Free

Whether your child is trick-or-treating or staying home on October 31, you can bet they’ll be getting a lot of candy to eat. From school parties to goody bags from grandma and grandpa, the sweets will be plentiful this year. But how can you protect their young smiles from the dangers of tooth decay? Instead of handing out chocolate bars and gummy treats, a pediatric dentist shares 7 Halloween candy alternatives that will keep trick-or-treaters happy and free of cavities.

Halloween Accessories

You can help almost any child jazz up their Halloween costume by handing out spooky spider rings or vampire teeth. These small, simple treats will give young kids something fun to scare their friends with. Not to mention, they’re extremely affordable and great for adding to any goody bag.

Snack Bags

If you do find that kids in your neighborhood are trick-or-treating this year, opt for snack bags filled with non-candy treats. Things like pretzels, cheddar crackers, and granola bars are great alternatives that will be a nice break from the bountiful candy they’ll be receiving elsewhere.

Small Bottles of Water

Not only will parents be grateful for a nice, refreshing bottle of water, but this is a great way to keep little ones hydrated while going door to door in heavy costumes. No matter the weather, water is an ideal beverage to help flush out toxins and keep sugar from sticking to baby and permanent teeth.

Glow Sticks

Although your trick-or-treaters may start arriving while it’s still daylight, glow sticks are great ways to help keep them safe once the sun goes down. Even if your little ones are staying at home this year, offer them a glow stick instead of a sugary treat and watch them have loads of fun when you turn out the lights.

Activity Puzzles and Games

Want to keep your kids busy for hours? Instead of watching them experience an intense sugar high before suddenly crashing long after their bedtime, give them activity puzzles, games, and coloring pages. This will keep their brains busy while having fun at the same time.

Temporary Tattoos

What kid doesn’t love a temporary tattoo? With so many different designs available, you can purchase an assortment consisting of spooky Halloween characters or maybe various superheroes or princesses. Easily washable with soap and water, parents will happily help their little one show off their temporary ink.

Stickers

A timeless treat enjoyed by children of all ages is stickers. These cheap and easy-to-find adhesives come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. There is a reason so many dentists and doctors continue to keep a bowl of them in their office. Kids just can’t get enough!

Instead of contributing to the holiday sugar rush this year, try out one of these non-candy alternatives and watch as trick-or-treaters and your own children enjoy the fun!

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She and her team believe in providing transparent and valuable tips to both parents and children about maintaining good oral health. Because Halloween is right around the corner, she is happy to recommend alternatives to traditional candy that will keep your child happy and cavity-free while donning their favorite costume. To find out what non-candy treats you can provide this year, contact us at (972) 393-9779.