There's something special about Halloween through the eyes of a child. The excitement of picking out a costume, the anticipation of trick-or-treating, and, of course, the thrill of coming home with a bucket full of candy.
For parents, however, all those sweet treats can bring a few concerns about keeping their children's teeth healthy.
But who says Halloween and healthy smiles can't go hand in hand?
At Bronco Family Dental in Gilbert, Dr. Emily Maslovich and her team believe caring for little teeth should be something children look forward to, not something they fear. And that philosophy extends far beyond the Halloween season.
A Little Less Fright, A Lot More Fun
For many children, a trip to the dentist can feel like stepping into the unknown. New faces, unfamiliar sounds, and a big dental chair can be intimidating, especially during those first few visits.
That's why the team at Bronco Family Dental takes a different approach.
From introducing children to the dental chair with their favorite stuffed animal to celebrating their visit with a trip to the treasure box, the goal is to create an environment where little ones feel comfortable, curious, and confident.
It's about giving children the opportunity to become familiar with dental care at their own pace, building trust along the way.
And those positive experiences can make all the difference as children grow.
Making Healthy Habits Stick
Of course, the foundation for a healthy smile begins long before a child settles into the dental chair.
Sometimes, making brushing and flossing more enjoyable is as simple as introducing a little imagination.
Letting children choose their own toothbrush, playing their favorite song during their two-minute brushing routine, or creating a small reward chart can turn what once felt like a chore into something worth celebrating.
After all, developing healthy habits doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, it's the smallest moments of encouragement that leave the biggest impression.
The Sweet & The Scary: A Halloween Candy Breakdown
With Halloween just around the corner, there's one question on nearly every parent's mind: What about all that candy?
The good news? Enjoying Halloween doesn't mean giving up every sweet treat.
Dr. Emily Maslovich is sharing her take on some of Halloween's most popular candies, including which ones get her approval and which might be better left at the bottom of the trick-or-treat bucket.
First up, chocolate. Of all the Halloween favorites, chocolate gets Dr. Emily's recommendation. Unlike candies that linger in the mouth, chocolate generally melts and clears away more quickly, making it a more tooth-friendly choice when enjoyed in moderation.
Gummies? Proceed with a little caution. They're certainly a childhood favorite, but their sticky texture means they can cling to the grooves and spaces between teeth. Dr. Emily's advice is to enjoy them in moderation and be mindful of brushing and flossing afterward.
Hard candies, on the other hand, are a different story. Treats like Jolly Ranchers can sit in the mouth for extended periods, exposing teeth to sugar as they slowly dissolve. And biting down on one? That's another risk entirely, especially for anyone with existing dental work.
Then there's Dubble Bubble.
Dr. Emily has two reasons for steering clear of this nostalgic favorite: the flavor seems to disappear after approximately two chews, and the sticky gum could spell trouble for an existing crown.
A little humor, perhaps, but also a reminder that certain candies can do more than contribute to cavities. They can put dental restorations at risk, too.
For families looking to switch things up this Halloween, Dr. Emily also suggests exploring alternatives such as Unreal, a candy brand offering treats made with different ingredient combinations than many conventional favorites. While these options can still contain sugar, they may offer families another choice when filling their candy bowls.
And if you're still unsure which treats make the cut? Dr. Emily jokes that families are always welcome to stop by Bronco Family Dental for a second opinion on their Halloween candy—or even to share a little of their haul.
Something Worth Smiling About
At the end of the day, Halloween is about making memories. And caring for your child's smile shouldn't get in the way of enjoying them.
A few thoughtful choices can go a long way. Enjoying candy alongside meals, drinking water afterward, and keeping up with twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help families enjoy the holiday without losing sight of their oral health.
Whether it's celebrating a successful first dental visit, discovering a new favorite toothbrush, or sorting through Halloween candy together, there are plenty of opportunities to make oral care part of the fun.
At Bronco Family Dental, those little moments matter.
Because the goal isn't simply to care for children's teeth today. It's to help them build the confidence, trust, and healthy habits they'll carry with them for years to come.
Bronco Family Dental is located in Gilbert, Arizona, offering personalized dental care for the whole family.