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10 Fun Alternatives to Halloween Candy

by Tammy Davenport
for About.com

Updated: October 24, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Isabella BurrellPhoto by Tammy Davenport
Oct 24 2007

Halloween will be here before you know it and we all know that Halloween, to most children, means candy. My kids have already started talking about how much “loot” they will be getting this year. To help keep cavities away and maintain your child's good dental health this Halloween, remember to have him brush and floss after eating sugary treats.

Too Much Candy

If you are concerned about the amount of candy that your children will receive, try rationing it out over a few weeks. For example, you can pack a couple of pieces in their sack lunches or give them a few pieces after school every day or every other day. You can also have each child set aside half of their Halloween candy, and later accompany them to donate it to an organization such as a battered women's shelter or a child abuse center.

Alternatives to Candy

Instead of giving out Halloween candy this year, check out these 10 fun alternatives to give out on Halloween night:

  1. Sugar free gum
  2. Vampire teeth
  3. Halloween stickers
  4. Party favor sunglasses
  5. Small cans of playdoh
  6. Noisemakers
  7. Pencils with Halloween erasers
  8. Halloween bouncy balls
  9. Temporary tattoos
  10. Small bottles of bubbles

Most kids love this stuff and it won't cause decay!

Good Oral Health

No matter what you decide to give out this Halloween, remember to follow these tips to help protect your children's teeth from cavities and maintain good oral health throughout the year:

Related Halloween Topics

Avoid Scary Tooth Decay This Halloween

Braces Don't Have to Be Nightmare this Halloween

Halloween Candy and Halloween Safety

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