Stay comfortable in your costume
Take the fright out of Halloween
Halloween is a memorable time of year. When else can you see ghosts, dinosaurs, and pirates smiling and laughing together? But the day can create a few health risks if you’re not careful. Here’s how you can say “boo” to danger while you enjoy the festivities.
The right costume is a big part of Halloween fun. With a little imagination, there’s no limit to what you can be! Whether you’re making a spooky masterpiece at home or buying a costume at the store, you should consider a few safety tips.
Pick a costume with bright, reflective material, or add reflective tape to darker fabric.
Make sure you’ll be warm enough if chilly weather is in the forecast.
Think about accessories. Don’t trip over a long cape or wear a mask with poor visibility.
Use nontoxic makeup and face paint so you don’t irritate your skin.
Avoid colored contact lenses, unless prescribed by your optometrist.
Be careful with plastic fangs and other mouthpieces, which may cut your gums or damage your tooth enamel.
Take care of your trick-or-treater
Accompany your child while they trick-or-treat and make sure you bring a phone for emergencies. It’s also wise to plan your path in advance. Look for well-lit streets with sidewalks, if possible, and avoid busy roads and alleyways.
If it’s your child’s first Halloween, discuss trick or treating with them so they know what to expect. Let them know the basics, like going to houses with lights on, saying “trick-or-treat,” and only taking one piece of candy per house. If your kid has food allergies, tell them to hunt for homes with teal pumpkins on display. This newer trend indicates a house is handing out nonfood items, so everyone can enjoy the Halloween fun!
If you’re handing out treats at home, remember to keep your porch light on, clear leaves and other debris from your path and steps, and secure your pets.
Satisfy your sweet tooth (in moderation)
Candy and sweet treats go hand in hand with Halloween, but there’s no need to give your oral health a scare. Here are a few ways to enjoy the holiday without harming your teeth and gums.
Save treats for when you get home. It’s easy to eat too much sugar while you’re walking and talking!
Eat candy with a meal, when your body produces a lot of saliva, to help wash away sugar. Limit snacking between meals to avoid frequent exposure to sugar.
Drink plenty of water. Don’t let food haunt your teeth. Wash it down while you eat to help reduce mouth bacteria, which lowers your risk for cavities and tooth decay.
Don’t forget to brush and floss. Maintain your daily oral health routine after you enjoy the festivities. And remember not to eat any candy after you brush!
Have a monster candy haul? If you’d like to unload some candy, find a candy buy-back or donation program near you.
Give your pumpkin a giant grin
Pumpkin carving is a great way to celebrate the holiday and express your creativity. Just follow a few safety tips to make sure you and your orange friend are smiling on Halloween.
-
Use artificial lights instead of real candles in pumpkins. You get the same spooky look without the fire hazard.
-
Consider where you place your pumpkin — Halloween night may be dark, so don’t put it on steps or on a path where someone might trip.
Have a happy and healthy Halloween
From the spooky fun to the carved pumpkins, there’s nothing quite like Halloween. Just make sure you keep your smile safe and create scary good memories!
