Halloween will be here before you know it, kicking off the traditional season of celebrations that bring us together for fun, fellowship, sweet treats, and maybe a few "frights." Candy is an unavoidable part of Halloween that children look forward to, so how do you connect with them and their parents about smart strategies for enjoying sweets while protecting the health of their teeth?

One good way to start the candy conversation is to ask the member what his or her favorite candy is. You can then use the answer as a springboard into your explanation of the following tips. Be sure to direct your recommendations to the parent so that they are aware of the steps they can take to help protect their child's oral and overall health during Halloween.

• Discuss which candies are the worst for teeth - Hard, sticky candy and other types of longer lasting sweets like caramel and suckers are often considered the worst candies for teeth. They stick in crevices on the teeth for long periods of time and promote cavity formation. Happily, chocolate is a better choice! It melts away quickly and is less likely to stick to teeth.
• Propose that the parent manages candy intake - The more often and the longer teeth are exposed to the sugars in candy, the greater the chance of decay. Suggest that parents actively monitor how much candy their child eats as well as how often. An easy way to let a child enjoy candy in moderation is for the parent to set up a ration of candy per day for a few days after Halloween.
• Suggest options for dealing with the excess or leftover candy - Advise parents not to let candy sit around for too long after the holiday. They can instead use the situation to teach their child about helping others by letting the child choose a program or organization to donate it to. You may even offer suggestions of groups in your area that take candy donations for troops, shelters, hospitals, and underprivileged kids.
• Advise them about good oral hygiene habits when eating candy - In addition to your recommendations to brush and floss twice a day, let the member and parent know that rinsing with water immediately after candy consumption also helps to prevent cavities. Explain that this simple step reduces the amount of sugar left in the mouth after eating candy, lessening the activity of bacteria on teeth that promotes decay.