Warding off the real Halloween horror - cavities

If recent buying trends hold, Americans will have 20 million pounds of candy corn on hand for Halloween -about a half-pound for each trick-or-treater. That's before they get to the chocolate bars, lollipops and other treats.

How do you protect your child's teeth hold up against this sugary onslaught? The best trick is to moderate children's intake of sweets and make sure they stick to their brushing-and-flossing routine.

Here are some other creative ways to encourage good dental-care habits this Halloween:

• Serve a healthy supper. A good meal before trick-or-treating leaves less room for 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.
  
• Make sure candy is age-appropriate. Don't give children ages five and under jawbreakers or hard candies. These can chip teeth or can even 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.
  
  Information courtesy of Delta Dental Plans Association.