Sugary candy isn’t the only thing that could haunt your little one’s smile on Halloween. Keeping your child’s teeth safe goes beyond limiting their sweet intake. From costume mishaps to unexpected dental injuries, spooky season can spell trouble for small smiles.
As your trusted dentist in Massapequa, the team at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental is here to guide you through several Halloween hazards that have nothing to do with sugar. With our tips, your family can trick-or-treat without needing emergency tooth treatment.
1. Costume and Mask Mishaps
Dressing up is a delight for children, but costumes can present unexpected dangers. Poorly fitting masks, risky materials, and sharp accessories can lead to accidents.
Masks and Vision
A mask that blocks your child’s vision is a major safety concern. Limited peripheral vision makes it difficult to see hanging decorations, sidewalk cracks, or other obstacles, increasing the risk of a fall. A serious trip or fall can easily result in a chipped, broken, or knocked-out tooth. In fact, children aged 7 to 11 are the most likely to suffer from knocked-out teeth, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Before heading out, have your child try on their mask and walk around the house to check if they can see clearly. If their vision is impaired, consider using non-toxic face paint as a safer alternative.
Costume Accessories
Swords, wands, and other hard plastic accessories can be hazardous. In the excitement of trick-or-treating, a playful swing can accidentally hit another child (or your own!) in the mouth, leading to a dental emergency. Our dentist in Massapequa can help in these situations, but prevention is always best. Make sure any props are made of soft, flexible materials.
2. Dental Injuries from Games and Activities
Halloween parties often include classic activities like bobbing for apples or games of tag. While they seem like harmless fun, these are common sources of dental injuries. Children can forcefully knock their teeth against the side of a tub or collide with other tag participants. That sudden impact can cause a tooth to chip, crack, or become dislodged.
Try safer alternatives using softer foods or props. And while the dark makes everything a bit scarier, adequate lighting can help your little one avoid a really scary dental situation. If an injury does occur, the team at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental is here to help.
3. Gum Hazards from Small Toys and Novelties
Not all trick-or-treat bags are filled with candy. Many households now offer small toys, stickers, and other novelties as an alternative. While this is a great way to reduce sugar consumption, these items can pose a hazard to gums.
Small toys and plastic rings can have pointy parts that can injure gums if you have a younger child prone to chewing. Be sure to inspect your kiddo’s haul before they dig in. Remove any items that are inappropriate for their age group. This simple step can prevent a frightening emergency and keep the Halloween spirit alive.
4. Glow Sticks and Chemical Burns
Glow sticks are a popular way to keep kids visible to drivers while trick-or-treating. However, the chemical liquid inside them is toxic if ingested. Children might be tempted to chew on these plastic sticks, causing them to crack and leak.
The liquid can cause mouth irritation or chemical burns to the soft tissues of the gums, tongue, and cheeks. While the glow-in-the-dark effect is fun, supervise your children closely when they have glow sticks. A better option for visibility is reflective tape applied to their costumes and treat bags. If you suspect your child has ingested the liquid, contact poison control right away. If you notice gum issues, reach out to our Massapequa dentist.
5. Chewing on Hard, Non-Food Items
The excitement of Halloween can lead kids to chew on things they shouldn’t. From hard plastic pumpkin handles to costume props, biting down on a non-food item can result in a cracked tooth.
Remind your children that their teeth are for chewing food only. Packaged toys and accessories might look tempting to bite, but they are not designed to withstand the force of human teeth. A moment of distraction can lead to a painful dental emergency. Encourage them to keep their hands and non-food items out of their mouths.
What If a Halloween Dental Emergency Happens?
Even with the best precautions, accidents can turn the holiday from glam to gloom. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can save a tooth and prevent further complications.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to their face to reduce swelling. Collect any fragments of the tooth you can find and bring them with you to our dentist.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Time is critical. Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. If possible, gently rinse it with water (do not scrub) and try to place it back in the socket. If that isn’t possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk or saliva and get to us within 30 minutes.
- Soft Tissue Injury: For cuts to the gums, tongue, or cheeks, rinse the mouth with a saltwater solution. Apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze to control bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek dental or medical attention.
Have a Safe and Happy Halloween with Our Help
At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, we can help you protect your child’s smile all year round. If you have any questions or experience a dental emergency this Halloween, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist in Massapequa. We wish you and your family a spooky, fun, and safe celebration!