Children should be given stickers instead of candy to save their teeth on Halloween, according to the country’s top dental surgeons.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England has offered tips to help children avoid tooth decay before the mass hoarding of sweet treats later this week.
Their first tip, which is easier said than done, is to avoid lollipops and other sticky candies.
The public has also been urged to do their part by handing out stickers or play dough instead of sweets.
Dr. Charlotte Eckhardt, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: ‘While we don’t want to be too draconian about one evening of festivities, it is a good reminder that this should be regarded as an occasion and not the norm, you want to avoid sugar grazing as it is more problematic for oral health.”
Dr. Eckhardt added that treats like lollipops can be particularly problematic because they result in long-term sugar exposure of children’s teeth.
Parents have been given a list of ten tips from the Royal College of Surgeons to help alleviate tooth decay in their children this Halloween
The RCS pointed out that tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions in children
Parents have also been advised not to let their children eat all their Halloween candy at once and to avoid their children eating sweets that can stick to their teeth.
The Royal College of Surgeons England has added advice that children should be encouraged to choose water over sugary drinks at Halloween parties.
They have also asked for young people to be given a new toothbrush after they have finished their treats, with the RCS saying that if it is in a favorite color or features a cartoon character it may entice them to brush more.
Parents should ensure that children brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste before going to bed, even if they are tired, as this can greatly help alleviate tooth decay.
The RCS pointed out that tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions among children. According to data from NHS England, around 19,381 children aged between five and nine were admitted to hospital due to tooth decay in England alone in 2023/2024.