se Halloween is a time of spooky fun and sweet delights, eagerly anticipated by many on October 31 each year. At the orthodontic office of Dr. Marina Milstein, we’re all about ensuring that everyone gets to relish in the festivities and the abundance of Halloween candy, all while keeping their smiles healthy and bright. As children and the young at heart don their costumes and set off into the night for trick-or-treating adventures, we wish all of our fabulous patients a Halloween filled with joy, laughter, and lots of tasty treats!
Trick or Treat?
In North America, Halloween is predominantly celebrated by children who dress up in an array of costumes, ranging from scary to cute. They roam the neighborhood, knocking on doors and asking “trick or treat,” receiving candy in return. This act of trick-or-treating is a time-honored tradition. Many parents, though, often worry about the copious amounts of candy their children collect, fearing for their dental health. However, there are several strategies parents can adopt to ensure their children’s teeth remain healthy until the candy stash is depleted.
- Limit the amount of candy they can consume each day
- Have them brush their teeth after eating candy
- Avoid hard, chewy candies, as they can stick in hard-to-brush places
- Keep candy out of sight to reduce temptation
- Don’t buy candy too far in advance to limit pre-Halloween consumption
- Help or encourage your children to floss
Halloween Fun
It may surprise you to hear that Halloween isn’t just about gorging on candy; there are other events associated with this festive day, including carving jack-o’-lanterns, painting pumpkins, decorating sugar cookies, bobbing for apples, going to haunted houses, or just curling up on the couch with a bowl full of popcorn and watching some classic, scary movies.
Halloween Around the World
Some countries have mixed feelings about Halloween. For instance, Australia views it skeptically, considering it an American event that doesn’t align with Australian culture. On the other hand, Italy celebrates Halloween with as much enthusiasm as Canadians and Americans. The tradition has been embraced by Mexicans since around 1960, serving as a kickoff to the Day of the Dead festival. Although it took a while for Halloween to catch on in Europe, since the 1990s, countries like Sweden, Norway, and Germany have joined in the festivities. Now, seeing children in costumes or ghosts decorating windows is a common sight there.
Happy Halloween from MMO!
Halloween is about fun! Stepping outside our normal lives is as much a part of our culture as hot dogs and barbecue on Labor Day. Donning a costume or gathering with friends to knock on doors and ask for candy embraces this tradition beautifully. Have a safe and happy Halloween from the team at Marina Milstein Orthodontics!
