The only thing scary about October 31 should be the ghosts, witches, and occasional Darth Vaders roaming your neighborhood street. Unfortunately, the number one cause of injuries on Halloween falls due to costume hems that are too long, steps, curbs, and unseen objects. Hazardous or allergy-causing candies can also pose a risk to children. Here are some basic ways to ensure you and your child have a safe and Happy Halloween.
Children need adult supervision
If your child is younger than 12, they need an adult to accompany them as they trick or treating. On Halloween, children can get so excited they may forget the usual sense of safety they would normally practice, like looking both ways before crossing the road. When kids are occupied with counting their candy and looking at eye-catching costumes, an adult is needed to make proper decisions about traffic threats and which neighborhoods to visit. If your child is older, make sure you know who they will be with that night and instruct them not to go into strangers’ homes.
Sort your child’s candy
After a long night out knocking door to door, your child will be ready to enjoy the loot. Before they do, sort their candy to make sure there is nothing hazardous or allergy-inducing (if your child has allergies). First, spread the treats out and inspect each piece to ensure it has not been tampered with. If you discover homemade treats, keep them only if they came from close friends or family. If you have very young children, be sure to toss candy that could present a choking hazard.
Take care of your teeth
After a fun-filled night of snacking on sweets, be sure your child brushes and flosses their teeth before going to bed. Sticky candies are particularly bad for teeth because they take longer to dissolve and will stick in crevices without a thorough brushing. As always, be sure you have regularly scheduled dental cleanings to guard against cavities throughout the year. To schedule a dental exam for your child, call Broadway Family Dentistry at 791-839-1299. We look forward to hearing from you!
