SAN ANTONIO, Texas--On Halloween, costumed children will visit their friends and neighbors in communities everywhere, and all will have the same goal in mind: to collect their weights in sugary treats.
Although indulging the sweet tooth has become part of the tradition, experts at United Concordia Dental Insurance remind parents to pay particular attention to dental hygiene after kids dip into their candy sacks.
"If children consume sweets, then go to bed without flossing and brushing properly, the effect can be damaging to young teeth," said United Concordia's National Dental Director, Dr. Richard Klich. "The key is moderation and establishing a brushing and flossing routine."
To help parents encourage their children to establish good oral health habits, United Concordia has kid-friendly dental health information and activities on its Web site.
To access the site, log on to www.ucci.com and click on "Diversity at United Concordia" where you'll find the "Children's Fun Pages" link. The children's section includes the Plaque Attack concentration game, word searches, crossword puzzles, connect-the-dots pictures and more.
Parents can keep their children smiling like happy jack-o-lanterns by following some simple advice. These tips from United Concordia will keep children's smiles healthy not just at Halloween, but year-round:
* Establish and keep children on a daily flossing and brushing routine.
* Place a limit on how much candy children eat, and mix in healthy snacks such as vegetables, yogurt and cheese.
* Steer children away from candy that sticks to teeth. If a healthy snack selection isn't an option, the best candy choices can be chewed and swallowed quickly.
* Use candy as dessert instead of allowing children to graze. It's best to eat candy after mealtimes when there is more moisture present in the mouth to help wash away the extra sugar.
* Make sure the candy is age appropriate. Hard candy can cause choking or chipped teeth.
* Finally, remember that even the smallest ghosts and goblins need dental exams. Starting within six months of the child's first tooth and no later than the child's first birthday, he or she should have an exam twice a year. During this early stage of development, the dentist can evaluate a child's oral health and provide tips and instructions on care.
