New Halloween Candy Playbook From Dentists and Dietitians

Overview

• A pediatric dietitian interviewed by Today advises letting kids go all-in on Halloween night, possibly the next day, then capping intake at three pieces daily under a trust-based feeding model.
• Other experts recommend setting expectations in advance, letting children pick a few favorites to keep, and trading or giving away the rest to avoid weeks of grazing.
• Dentists stress prompt oral care by brushing soon after sweets and rinsing with water while trick-or-treating, and they favor quick-melting options over sticky candies that cling to teeth.
• Suggested lower-risk handouts include sugar-free gum, dark chocolate, sugar-free lollipops, clementines, popcorn, sweet potato chips, freeze-dried fruit, and sealed apple-and-caramel snack packs.
• Behavioral tactics such as the Switch Witch and swapping some candy for small toys aim to keep the focus on fun, while a satirical college column pokes fun at extreme healthy alternatives.