Halloween in Steamboat Springs is an event like no other. With the iconic Downtown Halloween Stroll, where Lincoln Avenue transforms into a spooktacular gathering of costumed kids, families, and businesses, it’s a night full of fun, creativity, and of course—candy. But while the holiday is beloved by many, the sheer volume of sugar consumed can pose a risk to children’s oral health.
Steamboat’s Halloween Stroll is a cherished tradition that kicks off a festive season filled with holiday events!
Dr. Jim McCreight of McCreight Progressive Dentistry, a trusted local voice on dental care, offers some practical advice for parents trying to strike a balance. “It’s not just about Halloween,” he explains. “Our society is inundated with refined carbs and sticky, sugary foods, but Halloween takes the spotlight because it’s centered around candy.” However, he stresses that there are proactive steps parents can take to minimize the effects of all that sugar.
When children eat sugary treats, bacteria in their mouths consume the sugar and produce acid, which can erode tooth enamel. Sticky candies, like caramels and gummy bears, are particularly problematic because they cling to teeth, feeding the bacteria for longer periods. As McCreight points out, “Sticky, chewy candies get stuck in the grooves of teeth, allowing bacteria to leave acid that can sit there for hours.”
While this sounds alarming, McCreight understands Halloween in Steamboat is all about fun, and no one wants to take the joy out of it. Instead of banning candy, McCreight advises parents to be realistic. “I’m a parent too. Life is meant to be enjoyed in moderation,” he says. “Let them enjoy their treats, but have a plan.” The number one thing that parents can do to help minimize the impacts of sugary treats is to encourage kids to drink water as they snack on their candy. “Water neutralizes acids and rinses away sugars. It’s a simple but effective tool, and water is always available,” says McCreight.
Also, consider how quickly your child will have access to a toothbrush before deciding which treat to eat. Not all candy is created equal. Chocolate, which dissolves quickly, is less harmful than sticky, chewy candies. And, as your children are asking for “just one more”, consider ending the sweet treat consumption with sugar-free gum. “Sugar-free gum with xylitol is a great option when brushing right away isn’t possible. Xylitol can’t be processed by the bacteria that cause cavities, and it stimulates saliva flow, which acts as a natural buffer for acid.”
Lastly, and it should go without saying, after a night of fun, make sure your kids brush their teeth before going to bed. The last thing you want is for sugar to sit on their teeth overnight. “That’s 8 hours of bacteria feeding on sugar and producing acid,” McCreight cautions.
Whether it’s snow, rain, or sunshine, Halloween in Steamboat may be unpredictable, but one thing’s for sure: a fun-filled community celebration with plenty of candy is always in store!
The Downtown Halloween Stroll is a cherished tradition in Steamboat Springs. It’s not just about the candy; it’s about community and creativity. McCreight reflects on the uniqueness of the event: “Halloween here is a holiday of fun, especially with the way the community comes together. The stroll is probably one of the more popular holidays in Steamboat, and it’s something a broad group of locals enjoy.”
With events like the stroll offering more than just candy, parents have a chance to make the night about more than sugar consumption. Costume contests, dancers, and even fire-breathing dragons all make the evening memorable, allowing families to focus on the shared experience rather than just candy.
For McCreight, the real takeaway is about building lifelong habits for kids. “If you know there’s going to be a lot of sugary foods, the strategy is going to be sugar-free gum and water. The goal is to create habits that kids can carry with them into adulthood. It’s not just about saying ‘no sugar’ because that’s impractical.”
As candy season approaches, consider offering tasty, tooth-friendly alternatives for school or neighborhood parties to keep kids smiling bright!
He emphasizes the importance of modeling good habits. “Parents should supervise brushing up to age seven, but beyond that, they should be setting an example. You can’t expect your kids to take care of their teeth if you’re not doing it yourself.”
As Steamboat heads into the holiday season, which brings even more sugary treats, these tips are useful not only for Halloween but for every holiday that involves sweets. By teaching kids proactive strategies to take care of their teeth, parents can ensure their kids have fun without worrying too much about the consequences.
So, as you enjoy the magic of the Halloween Stroll and the excitement of trick-or-treating, remember: it’s okay to indulge in moderation. Just keep some sugar-free gum and water on hand, and make sure the night ends with a good brushing session.
Happy Halloween, Steamboat!
