Swap sweets for stickers this Halloween, dentists urge parents
Dentists urge parents to hand out stickers, not sweets, this Halloween to help reduce children’s tooth decay risks.
With trick-or-treaters preparing for tomorrow night, parents are being encouraged to break from tradition by swapping out sweets for stickers or playdough when they come knocking.
This advice from the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) aims to address the impact of sugary treats on children’s oral health, offering a playful alternative to protect their smiles.
According to the RCS, sugary snacks, especially sticky or hard sweets, expose children’s teeth to prolonged sugar, increasing their chances of tooth decay.
NHS England data reinforces this concern, showing tooth decay as the top reason for hospital admissions in children. In the last year alone, over 19,000 children aged five to nine were admitted for issues stemming from tooth decay, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Speaking on the topic, Dr. Charlotte Eckhardt from the RCS acknowledges the excitement of Halloween but cautions against excessive sugar consumption: “Although we don't want to be too draconian about one night 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 that's more problematic for oral health.” Dr. Eckhardt advises parents to encourage moderation, suggesting children enjoy a few sweets and save the rest to avoid sugar overload.
Beyond reducing sweets, the RCS suggests that parents consider other creative approaches to support their children’s oral health, such as offering a new toothbrush after Halloween festivities.
A brush in a fun colour or with a favourite character could even motivate kids to brush more enthusiastically. Similarly, water instead of sugary drinks at Halloween parties can help prevent further sugar intake, a tip that’s easy for families to adopt.
For parents keen on finding healthier ways to celebrate Halloween, offering stickers or mini pots of playdough could be a fun, guilt-free way to treat young visitors without contributing to the rise in tooth decay.
Embracing these alternatives might even start a trend toward healthier Halloween traditions, sparking ideas that could make next year’s celebration just as thrilling, without the sugar rush.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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