The candy trick-or-treaters collect on Halloween doesn't have to result in tooth decay if parents guide children to practice good dental health habits.

“If a child eats sugary sweets, then goes to bed without brushing and flossing properly, the effect can be damaging to young teeth,” says Dr. Jed Jacobson, vice president of Professional Services and dental director at Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. “There’s nothing wrong with kids enjoying a few Halloween treats. The trick is to moderate their intake of sweets and make sure they stick to their brushing-and-flossing routine.”

Here are some fun and creative ways to protect your child’s smile and encourage good dental-care habits this Halloween.

Serve a healthy supper. A good meal before trick-or-treating leaves less room for sugary sweets.

Set up a candy “bank.” Allow your child four or five pieces of candy, then store the rest in a sealed container (freeze chocolates and candy bars). Establish times when the “bank” will be open for withdrawals over the next month.

Offer tooth-friendly fare to trick-or-treaters. Consider sugar-free treats or travel sizes of toothpaste and dental floss. Just remember that although treats like dried fruit might be more nutritious than gummy candy, both hold decay-producing acid against teeth for longer periods of time than other snacks.

Make sure candy is age-appropriate. Don't give children ages five and under jawbreakers or hard candies. These can chip teeth or cause choking.

Encourage kids to drink water throughout the day. Especially after eating sweets. It will help rinse sugar away from teeth until there is time for proper brushing.

Brush before bedtime. Offer your child a new, brightly colored toothbrush as a final Halloween treat. Insist on a good brush before bedtime.

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