Even Little Heroes Have to Stay Safe on Halloween

Halloween is a frighteningly good time for ghouls and boys in the Rio Grande Valley. And because your Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry team wants your family to enjoy a spooktacular night, follow these expert safety tips to get your little monsters back home, safe and sound.

Zombies Walk Safely

1. A responsible adult ghoul should always accompany young goblins on their neighborhood rounds.
2. Cross the streets at crosswalks.
3. Do not use electronic devices while trick-or-treating.
4. Do not run across streets; wait for the crosswalk signal.
5. Look left, right, and left again when crossing a street.
6. Always walk on sidewalks or paths.
7. Watch for cars turning, backing up, or driving erratically.
8. Teach your vampires and zombie slayers not to dart into the street or cross between parked cars.
9. Do not cut across yards or use alleys.
10. Remain on well-lit streets.

Keep Costumes Spooky AND Safe

1. Try to wear a light colored costume that can easily be seen at night.
2. Use reflective tape or stickers.
3. Try to avoid masks or wigs as they can obstruct your little goblin’s vision.
4. Use glow sticks or flashlights with fresh batteries to help drivers see you.
5. Make sure to choose the right costume size to avoid trips and falls.
6. If your children are using props, make sure they are short and flexible.
7. Put a name tag, with your phone number, on your child’s costume.

Mommy Mermaids and Daddy Werewolves Need to Drive Safely

1. Slow down and be alert in residential areas. Halloween is an exciting time so children may act unpredictably.
2. Never use an electronic device when behind the wheel.
3. Enter and exit driveways carefully.
4. Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to see children from further away.
5. Focus on the road ahead and don’t get distracted by costumes.

Little Heroes Should Stay Safe

1. NEVER go inside a stranger’s house or car.
2. Your little hero should have a cell phone on them in case they need to call Mom or Dad.
3. Have a route and stick to it.
4. Try and trick-or-treat in a group and stick with them.
5. Only go to houses with porch lights on.
6. Stay away from candles and other flames.

Goblins Don’t Just Gobble Down Goodies

1. Give your trick-or-treaters a good meal before heading out so they won’t try and fill up on candy.
2. When your little goblins get home, check to see that all treats are new and sealed. Throw out candies that are open, or have holes in their packages, and any homemade treats.
3. Don’t allow toddlers to have hard candy or gum that can cause choking.
4. Allow your child one small treat shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps to rinse away food particles.
5. Avoid giving children candies that will stay in their mouths for long periods of time. Candies that stay in the mouth for too long increase the risk of tooth decay.
6. Sticky candies, like gummy bears, take longer to get washed away.
7. Don’t keep candy around for too long. Let your little ghouls pick a couple favorites and give the rest away to organizations that accept these sorts of donations
8. Make sure your children brush those vampire fangs twice a day for two minutes at a time.
9. Flossing once a day will also help to keep those fangs pretty and clean.
10. Visit Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry to keep those pearly whites cavity free after Halloween.

Halloween Doesn’t Have to be a Horror Story for Teeth

Halloween is a eerily fun time for boys, ghouls, and even adults, and keeping your teeth healthy doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the fun. Just make sure children stick to their normal dental routines and continue on with their regular dental checkups to keep those fangs glistening.

Visit our Little Heroes office in Mission, San Juan, or Laredo to find out how can help meet all of your dental needs.