Ghosts, goblins and superheroes will soon fill our neighborhoods as Halloween approaches. For many families, it’s one of the most exciting nights of the year; a time for creativity, community and, of course, sweet goodies. While it is a fun tradition, a few simple precautions can help ensure your Halloween is full of treats, not tricks.
Sweet choices for a healthier smile
Let’s start with the star of the show — the candy! We all know sugar isn’t great for our teeth, but some sweets are better than others. The stickier and chewier the candy, the worse it is for dental health because it clings to the teeth and feeds bacteria that cause cavities. Gummy candies, caramels and taffy can hang around long after the fun is over.
If your kids love candy (and whose don’t?), encourage them to choose chocolates instead. Chocolate melts quickly, which means it’s less likely to linger on the teeth. Dark chocolate is the best option because it typically contains less sugar and even offers antioxidants that are good for the body. Sugar-free gum is another smart pick since it can help wash away food particles and stimulate saliva flow, which naturally protects teeth.
Here’s another simple rule: it’s better to enjoy a few treats at once rather than nibbling all day. Every time we eat sweets, acid levels in our mouth rise, weakening tooth enamel. Eating candy in one sitting and then brushing soon after limits the damage.
Of course, parents should do a quick candy check before the little ones dive in. Discard anything unwrapped or suspicious, especially if it looks tampered with. If the kids bring home too much sweet loot, save a few special pieces and discard the rest. Who needs the temptation in the house?
Costume safety: Make it fun and functional
Costumes are a big part of Halloween magic, but they should also be safe and comfortable. If your child’s costume includes a mask, make sure it doesn’t obstruct vision or breathing. Non-toxic face paint is often a better choice than a full mask. Always test face paint on a small patch of skin first to avoid allergic reactions.
Long costumes can be tripping hazards, especially in the dark. Hem anything that drags on the ground and opt for comfortable shoes that can handle a night of walking.
Visibility is key. Choose bright colors if possible or add reflective tape to dark costumes. A small glow stick, reflective wristband, or even a flashlight can help drivers see trick-or-treaters. For little ones, label costumes or bags with your phone number, just in case they get separated from the group.
Don’t forget about pets. Some furry friends enjoy dressing up too, but make sure costumes are lightweight, breathable and free of small parts that could be swallowed. If your pet gets anxious with all the activity, it’s best to keep them safely indoors.
Tips for trick-or-treaters
Before heading out, make sure your kids have eaten a healthy meal. A satisfied belly means they’re less likely to overindulge in candy later. Carry bottled water to keep them hydrated and rinse their mouth if they sample some treats.
Stick to familiar neighborhoods and only visit well-lit houses. If your children are old enough to go out on their own, remind them to stay in groups, follow crosswalks, and avoid distractions like cell phones while walking.
For parents driving trick-or-treat routes, remember that children can dart out unexpectedly. Drive slowly through residential areas, especially between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., when most trick-or-treating occurs. Keep headlights on, stay alert and put your phone away.
Home safety for Halloween hosts
If you’re handing out candy, make sure your walkway and front porch are well-lit and free of tripping hazards such as cords, hoses or decorations. Use battery-operated candles inside jack-o’-lanterns instead of real flames to avoid fire risks.
Offering non-candy treats, such as stickers, small toys or glow bracelets, can also be a great option for kids with food allergies. The “Teal Pumpkin Project” encourages homeowners to place a teal-colored pumpkin on their porch to show they offer allergy-friendly goodies. As a mom of a kid with allergies, I would have appreciated that. My son has a dairy allergy, and he was unable to eat most of the candy he collected as a kid, so stickers or little toys would have been a nice treat for him.
A fun and festive balance
Halloween is a night of imagination and joy, and a few mindful choices can make it healthier and safer without taking away the fun. Encourage kids to enjoy their candy in moderation, stay visible while trick-or-treating, and remember that safety starts before they step out the door.
Of course, many parents love joining in the fun, walking the neighborhood, chatting with friends and seeing the excitement on their kids’ faces. It’s a wonderful way to make memories together, get a little exercise, and soak in the community spirit that makes Halloween so special.
With a little preparation and awareness, everyone can enjoy a Halloween that’s full of fun, laughter and spooktacular memories, without any scary surprises.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
