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Call Today480-420-9562 Request an Appointment
26232 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Call Today480-420-9562 Request an Appointment
26232 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85050
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
      • Dr. Russell Roderick
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour The Office
    • FAQ
  • Our Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
    • Family Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Invisalign
    • Restorative Dentistry
    • Sedation Options
    • Dental Emergencies
    • TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding
    • Sleep Apnea
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Specials and Promotions
    • Payment Options
    • I’m Embarrassed to Smile
    • I’m in Pain or Have Discomfort
    • I Can’t Stop Snoring!
  • Blog
Home > Blog > Smile-Healthy Halloween Treats Your Family Will Enjoy

Smile-Healthy Halloween Treats Your Family Will Enjoy

October 1, 2019

It’s always exciting for us to talk with our patients about their upcoming holiday plans. That’s no different for Halloween! We’ve even seen a few kiddos show up to Aesthetic Family Dentistry in costume. Even though some people are surprised that we like Halloween with all the sweets, we don’t think your family has to ban candy to enjoy the spooky night. Still, there are a few ways to keep your family’s smiles a bit healthier – and they can apply beyond Halloween. 

Take a few minutes to look at some healthy Halloween treats for your family or even your trick-or-treaters below. For more tooth tips or to set up post-Halloween cleanings for your children in Cave Creek, call Dr. Russell Roderick’s office at 480-420-9562 today. We see kids as young as 3.

Avoid These Tooth Terrors

It’s nearly impossible to ban all sweets from your kids, especially as they get older. However, there are a few that can make your kiddos’ teeth more cavity prone. In the short term, they can do a lot of damage too – even cause dental emergencies. That’s not a great way to spend Halloween! Trust us when we say we’ve seen quite a few urgent situations from the following unhealthy treats, from cracked teeth to loose fillings.

  • Hard candy, especially jawbreakers
  • Sticky candy, like caramels and gum
  • Chewy candy, like fruit chews
  • Sour candy, like sour gummies

It’s probably obvious why hard candy can create a problem, even for baby teeth that set the stage for adult teeth. Sticky, chewy candy can cause restorations to come loose, but the more common problem with those is that the sugar sits on teeth and in between teeth for a long time. It’s hard to get off even if you drink water afterward. 

We know kids aren’t the best at brushing and flossing their teeth, especially in the grooves in back teeth where those sugars stick. Bacteria feed off the sugars and create acids that eat through tooth enamel. So enough of that buildup can lead to cavities. Add acid to the mix, and you create an even more ideal scenario for tooth decay.

Minimize These Tricky Temptations

Sugar is a culprit for tooth decay, but so are carbohydrates. They’re also notorious for getting stuck between teeth. Still, carb-heavy foods can be less of a problem than sugar simply because they contain less sugar.

When you’re looking at your kids’ candy bags or picking up treats for trick-or-treaters, consider these better options:

  • Individual pretzels
  • Individual crackers, including cheese crackers and peanut butter crackers
  • Individual multigrain chips
  • Fruit leather
  • Raisins and other dried fruits
  • Snack-size popcorn
  • Individualized trail mix (careful for tots and kids with allergies, of course)
  • Chocolate-covered nuts
  • Yogurt-covered nuts and raisins
  • Milk chocolate and chocolate peanut butter cups
  • 100% juice boxes
  • Mandarins

It may help to think about what you pack in your kids’ lunchboxes or what you buy them for snacks each day. Chances are these could be good Halloween treats to pass out or let your kids enjoy in moderation.

Enjoy These Halloween Snacks & Treats

It’s tricky to think of healthy Halloween treats that don’t affect your kids’ oral health. Still, there are a few great choices, like: 

  • Dark chocolate
  • Sugarless gum
  • Snack-size nuts (if no allergies)
  • Small apples
  • Individualized peanut butter packs 

Treats don’t have to come in the form of sugar or even food, though. If you’re shopping for candy soon, consider these alternatives to Halloween candy, many of which can be purchased at dollar stores or discount stores:

  • Small toys
  • Mini puzzles and games
  • Jewelry, especially glow jewelry, light-up jewelry, and Halloween-themed jewelry like spider rings
  • Glow sticks
  • Packs of cards or card games
  • Mini Play-Doh packs
  • Pencils and erasers
  • Activity books or mini drawing pads
  • Bubbles
  • Keychains
  • Stickers
  • Halloween temporary tattoos

Discuss Oral Health Habits Early

Like any parent, you want your kids to be healthy and happy. When it comes to their smile, you know this includes brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. It also includes instilling healthy habits so that your children can learn to make good decisions on their own.

Consider this before you help your kids sort through their Halloween candy:

  • Start talking about better choices for their smiles now. Take a fun approach for your little ones, like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry does with their tips and tricks. You can even print off Halloween coloring sheets from their site that can help teach your kids about tooth decay.
  • Donate or get rid of tooth-terror candies. If you don’t, consider limiting them to once a day.
  • Set a time limit on how long Halloween candy will stay in your house.
  • Make sure your kids brush twice a day and floss daily.
  • Encourage them to swish water in their mouth after eating candy to help get it off their teeth and gums.

Your Cave Creek, AZ family dental office hopes you enjoy this Halloween – and that your smiles do too! If you need any more tooth tips, nutrition tips, or just appointments for cleanings, call Aesthetic Family Dentistry at 480-420-9562 or contact us online.

What Our Patients Are Saying

L. C. (Verified Patient) | Nov 01, 2019
5
Everyone in the office is so nice and friendly it’s like visiting friends instead of...
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Everyone in the office is so nice and friendly it’s like visiting friends instead of a dental appt. Dr Roderick is a perfectionist - sent my crown back to lab because he wanted it “to be perfect”. He always personally calls to make sure everything is ok. Great experience every time!!

C. C. (Verified Patient) | Oct 16, 2019
5
A++. Lovely people in this practice, true gentle dentistry and care. Would recommend anyone, especially...
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A++. Lovely people in this practice, true gentle dentistry and care. Would recommend anyone, especially someone who hasn't been to the dentist in a while and is nervous. Doctor personally calls his patients the evening of your appointment to follow up. 😎

B. O. (Verified Patient) | Aug 18, 2019
5
Dr. Roderick has been my dentist for more than 15 years. Heck, my daughter is...
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Dr. Roderick has been my dentist for more than 15 years. Heck, my daughter is 20 years old and Dr Roderick has been treating her since her teeth started to come in, probably around age 3. My family of four are long standing patients and we strongly recommend Aesthetic Family Dentistry. Professional, caring and friendly best describe our experience(s)

E. T. (Verified Patient) | Aug 16, 2019
5
Great staff! Dental work is excellent.

Great staff! Dental work is excellent.

J. S. (Verified Patient) | Aug 10, 2019
5
Outstanding organization that makes certain all of your dental needs are taken care of in...
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Outstanding organization that makes certain all of your dental needs are taken care of in a timely manner.

A. W. (Verified Patient) | Aug 06, 2019
5
Dr. Roderick and all of his staff members are amazing! I completed Invisalign in only...
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Dr. Roderick and all of his staff members are amazing! I completed Invisalign in only 7 months and it was a great experience! I gained more confidence by finally being able to love my smile. I would recommend Dr. Roderick’s office to everybody because they are all so professional and kind.

C. S. (Verified Patient) | Jul 27, 2019
5
Excellent attention to detail & follow-up!!!

Excellent attention to detail & follow-up!!!

M. K. (Verified Patient) | Jul 25, 2019
5
Everyone at the office are so professional and friendly. Doc and Michelle, as always, make...
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Everyone at the office are so professional and friendly. Doc and Michelle, as always, make me feel at home and relaxed during my appointments. When I leave I know that I have received the best services or treatments available.

B. C. (Verified Patient) | Jun 28, 2019
5
They are the best

They are the best

D. N. (Verified Patient) | Jun 25, 2019
5
Dr. Roderick and his staff make you feel at ease! Very thorough exam! Looking forward...
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Dr. Roderick and his staff make you feel at ease! Very thorough exam! Looking forward to our future visits!!!

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Call Today to Make an Appointment 480-420-9562 Request an Appointment
26232 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85050
  • Mon: 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tue: 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thu: 7:00am - 3:00pm
  • Fri: 7:00am - 2:00pm
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed
Call Today to make an Appointment 480-420-9562 Request an Appointment

Location

26232 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Office Hours

  • Monday 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday 7:00am - 3:00pm
  • Friday 7:00am - 2:00pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Smile-Healthy Halloween Treats Your Family Will Enjoy

It’s always exciting for us to talk with our patients about their upcoming holiday plans. That’s no different for ...

Read More
The Many Advantages Of Invisalign [BLOG]

Don’t let crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, continue to ruin your health, self-confidence, and quality of life. ...

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Call Today to make an Appointment 480-420-9562 Request an Appointment

Location

26232 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Office Hours

  • Monday 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday 7:00am - 3:00pm
  • Friday 7:00am - 2:00pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Smile-Healthy Halloween Treats Your Family Will Enjoy

It’s always exciting for us to talk with our patients about their upcoming holiday plans. That’s no different for ...

Read More
The Many Advantages Of Invisalign [BLOG]

Don’t let crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, continue to ruin your health, self-confidence, and quality of life. ...

Read More
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