While it’s inevitable that Halloween brings its share of sugary indulgence, it’s important to balance the treats your children eat with healthy, tooth-friendly options when packing your child’s lunchbox this spooky season.  

We spoke to our Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Nyree Whitley, to get her advice on looking after your children’s dental health, her top tips for avoiding the worst offenders and the small changes parents can make to create fun, festive snacks that promote good oral health this Halloween.  

Are sweets and other sugary snacks ok in moderation? 

No one wants to give-up eating the things they love, especially around the festive season. The same is true for children. But Nyree comments: “moderation is key, I recommend removing any particularly sugary or sticky treats. Instead, opt for a moderate amount of chocolate. It may still have a high sugar content, especially in its milk or white forms, but it is generally gentler on teeth than hard, crunchy or chewy sweets.” 

Why are Halloween snacks bad for teeth?  

Halloween snacks are not worse for teeth than other sugary treats. But Halloween exposes children to high volumes of sweets, chocolate and crisps through activities like trick-or-treating or parties. But how does the sugar in these snacks damage teeth?  

Nyree comments: “When we eat sugar, it interacts with the bacteria in plaque to produce acid, which can slowly dissolve the enamel on our teeth and create holes or cavities. I recommend that, if children do enjoy a Halloween treat, they should do so in moderation and preferably after meals when saliva production is at its highest, helping to protect teeth from sugar's harmful effects.”  

What are some ways to limit damage to teeth this Halloween?  

It’s no secret that consuming too much sugar can have a harmful effect on our overall health, but it is also the leading cause of tooth decay in both children and adults. When we eat sugar, it interacts with the bacteria in plaque to produce acid, which can slowly dissolve the enamel on our teeth and create holes or cavities. 

To limit damage to teeth this Halloween, Nyree suggests: “If your children have a naturally sweet tooth, try to allow them to enjoy sugar in balance and opt for unprocessed forms of sugar where possible. If you find that they usually reach for sweets, try switching them out for dark chocolate and enjoy it in moderation to maintain a healthy smile. Another suggestion could be offering a trade, switching an unhealthy for a healthier alternative. This can work particularly well if your child has an existing favourite.” 

What are some healthy alternatives to enjoy this Halloween?  

While it’s natural for children to enjoy some Halloween treats, there are many creative and healthy alternatives that can help protect their oral health this spooky season.  

Spooky Cheese Shapes - Nyree commented: “cheese is an excellent snack for children as it increases saliva flow, which helps wash away food particles and neutralises acids in the mouth.”  

By using biscuit cutters shaped like pumpkins, ghosts, or bats, parents can turn cheese slices into fun, spooky shapes that children will love. Pair these shapes with wholegrain crackers for a more balanced bite. 

Monster Veggie Sticks with Houmous - Nyree commented: “raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers offer a satisfying crunch without sugar, making them a great addition to any lunchbox.”  

Serve them with low-fat houmous, a protein-rich dip made from chickpeas, for a delicious and healthy snack. For a Halloween twist, try arranging the veggies as monsters using olive eyes or bell pepper tongues. 

Apple Slices with Almond Teeth - Nyree commented: “On the surface, crisps or similar snacks may seem like a healthy alternative to chocolate and sweets for your kids to snack on. But crisps can in fact be worse for their teeth than chocolate. The starch found in crisps and other potato snacks breaks down into sugar, these sugars then contribute to tooth decay.”  

Although an apple a day won’t keep the dentist away, if your child often craves crisps in their packed lunch, apples have a bite that may satisfy that craving for a crunch. To give it a spooky twist, you could cut an apple into crescent shapes and add sliced almonds to give the illusion of vampire-like teeth.  

By incorporating a few of these tooth-friendly tricks, you can help your child enjoy Halloween without compromising their smile. Balancing festive treats with healthier options and encouraging moderation will not only protect their teeth but also set them up for good habits. So, as the trick-or-treating unfolds, you can be confident that your child’s dental health is in safe hands—no magic required!  

mydentist Kids Club 

Keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy is one of the most important things you can do as a parent and good oral health practices should start long before your child's first tooth comes through. If you want more advice or support on looking after your children's teeth, mydentist offers more information on our Kids Club page.  

If you're new to mydentist and looking for a practice, find your local mydentist practice today. Or, browse our comprehensive treatment offering or find more information about mydentist at www.mydentist.co.uk.