Source: Real Simple

I'm really behind on my Halloween preparations. I still have to pick up a costume for Jake, who will be trick-or-treating at his daycare as well as around our neighborhood. He hasn't warmed up to candy yet, but it won't be long before I'll have to limit his sugar consumption.

To avoid the hazards of sugar on our children's teeth, husband-and-wife dentists Drs. Kapil and Vidhima Davar of Bel Air Pediatric Dentistry have some tips for parents:

This Halloween, your firemen, ballerinas and superheroes will return with bags of candy eager to gnaw on their hard-won Snickers bars, Skittles and candy corn. The list of Halloween candy can be endless – as can the dangers sweets can cause to your children’s teeth.

When plaque, a thin film of bacteria on teeth and gums, mixes with sugar, an acid forms that attacks the teeth. Over time, the acid can break down tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. But parents can protect their children and enjoy Halloween safely.

Limit how much Halloween candy your children eat. Serve them a healthy meal before trick-or-treating, so they’re not hungry when they return. Store candy in a room other than your children’s bedroom, so it’s less tempting. Offer them healthier snacks like trail mix and raisins instead of sugary candy.

Serve Halloween candy during meals. Increased saliva production and other foods will help naturally wash away sugary candy particles and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Offer your children sugarless gum after they enjoy their candy. Sugarless gum, approved by the American Dental Association, increases saliva production and helps wash away candy particles.

Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing once daily.

Visit your child’s pediatric dentist for regular checkups. Pediatric dentists have specialized training and experience caring specifically for children’s teeth.

Your children can enjoy the spoils of trick-or-treating without the dangers of tooth decay. You can help them enjoy Halloween candy in moderation while continuing good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.