Take the fright out of Halloween

Halloween is a memorable time of year. When else can you see ghosts, dinosaurs and pirates in the same room? But the festivities can create some surprising health risks if you’re not careful. Here’s how to say “boo” to danger while you enjoy the festivities. 

The right costume is a big part of Halloween fun. With a little imagination, there’s no limit to what you can be. Whether you’re making a spooky masterpiece at home or buying a costume at the store, you should consider a few safety tips:

• Pick a costume with bright, reflective material, or add reflective take to darker fabric.
• Make sure you’ll be warm enough if chilly weather is in the forecast.
• Reconsider hazardous accessories like long capes or masks with poor visibility.
• Use non-toxic makeup and face paint so you don’t irritate your skin.
• Avoid colored contact lenses, unless prescribed by your optometrist.
• Be careful with plastic fangs and other mouthpieces, which may cut your gums or damage your tooth enamel.

Accompany your child while they trick or treat and make sure you bring a phone for emergencies. It’s also wise to plan your path in advance. Look for well-lit streets with sidewalks, if possible, and avoid busy roads and alleyways.

If it’s your child’s first Halloween, discuss trick or treating with them so they know what to expect. Let them know the basics, like going to houses with lights on, saying “trick or treat,” and only taking one piece of candy per house.

If you’re handing out treats at home, remember to keep your porch light on, clear leaves and other debris from your path and steps, and secure your pets. 

Candy and sweet treats go hand-in-hand with Halloween, but there’s no need to give your oral health a scare. Here are a few ways to enjoy the holiday without harming your teeth and gums:

• Save treats for when you get home. It’s easy to eat too much sugar while you’re walking and talking.
• Eat candy with a meal. Your mouth produces saliva at mealtime, which helps wash away sugar. Pick a favorite piece of candy or two and enjoy it for dessert.
• Drink plenty of water. Don’t let food haunt your teeth. Wash it down while you eat to help reduce mouth bacteria, which lowers you risk for cavities and tooth decay.
• Don’t forget to brush and floss. Maintain your daily oral health routine after you enjoy the festivities. And remember not to eat any candy after you brush.

Have a monster candy haul? If you’d like to unload some candy, find a candy buy-back or donation program near you.

Pumpkin carving is a great way to celebrate the holiday and express your creativity. Just follow a few safety tips to make sure you and your orange friend are smiling on Halloween.

• Use artificial lights instead of real candles in pumpkins. You get the same spooky look without the fire hazard.
• Consider where you place your pumpkin – Halloween night may be dark, so don’t put it on steps or on a path where someone might trip.

From the spooky fun to the carved pumpkins, there’s nothing quite like Halloween. Just make sure you keep your smile safe and create scary good memories.