How one orthodontist tackles the sticky subject of Halloween candy

Take a look at the calendar and you know that Halloween will be here before we know it.

Of course, with all of the Halloween celebrations and traditions comes candy. And while all of us partake in a sweet treat from time to time, it's clear that the end of October and the beginning of November can be the perfect opportunity for sugary and sticky treats to cause dental issues.

With that in mind, I asked Dr. Bruce Tasios of Tasios Orthodontics how he addresses the subject of Halloween candy with his patients. Here's what he had to say.

Dr. Bruce Tasios.

"Halloween and all the candy it provides to children and adults always pose challenges for dentists wanting to educate their patients. I find that specific strategies work best. 

"The first thing to realize is you aren't just talking about children eating candy. Adults eat as much of it as children, so your education must also be geared toward adults and maintaining their dental health. The other general rule is to offer advice gently rather than in a judgmental way. People will sometimes implement changes if they see it as an option rather than a judgment. 

"Some strategies are to talk to children getting an exam before Halloween about their favorite candies and tell them in the conversation which ones are the worst for their teeth. In that conversation -- and it should be a conversation rather than a lecture -- tell them to pay more attention to brushing and flossing their teeth after eating candy and to drink milk or water afterward as a rinse.

"Adult conversations are similar and should have the tone of talking parent to parent rather than dentist to patient. In those, offer which low-sugar or healthier treats are better to hand out. One strategy that works well is a brochure with recipes for healthier Halloween treats that children like and can be used at parties. Hand those out as part of exam packages with new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss beginning in late August. Coupons for healthier options can be included as well.

"Dental offices can put up a Halloween display that focuses on oral health. It can include pictures of what sugar and bacteria do to teeth and recipes for healthier Halloween treat options for patients. Displays attract children because they will look at them and remember the advice, especially if there are many pictures included."