minsta

Give Kids Stickers or Playdough Instead of Halloween Candy, Dental Surgeons Say | UK News

Pabio October 30, 2024

Children should be given stickers or playdough instead of candy this Halloween, leading dental surgeons have said.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) has urged children not to eat lollipops or sticky sweets in order to avoid tooth decay.

The public can hand out stickers or playdough to trick or treat children instead of sugary snacks, according to the dean of the college’s dental surgery faculty.

Advice from the Royal College of Surgeons on Halloween treats

Parents shouldn’t let their children eat all their Halloween candy in one sitting;
Children should avoid sweets that can stick to their teeth;
People handing out treats on Halloween might offer “alternatives such as stickers or play dough”;
They should also limit the number of treats given to each child;
Children should be encouraged to opt for water over sugary drinks at Halloween parties;
Children should be given a new toothbrush after they finish their treats: one in their favorite color or with a cartoon character might encourage them to brush even more;
Parents should make sure their children brush their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste before bed, even if they are tired.

Dr Charlotte Eckhardt said: “While we don’t want to be too draconian about a night of festivities, it is a good reminder that this should be seen as an occasion and not the norm, we should avoid consume sugar because it is more problematic. for oral health.

“One of the best things you can do is avoid lollipops, because prolonged consumption exposes children’s teeth to sugar for longer, increasing the risk of tooth decay,” she said.

The RCS also highlighted that tooth decay is the leading cause of hospitalization among children.