Oral health experts prepare families to celebrate Halloween healthfully

With Halloween just around the corner, children and their parents across the country are getting their costumes ready and dreaming about the candy haul they hope to receive. Similarly, doctors are preparing to deal with the onslaught of oral health problems that often proceed from the holiday.

A group of dentists recently teamed up to launch a nationwide campaign to urge moderation during a time in which many children go overboard with chocolate and candy consumption.

The Trick or Treat for America's Toothfairy campaign will distribute information to dental offices, communities and schools warning about the dangers of excessive candy consumption during the days and weeks following Halloween, and suggests healthy ways to celebrate the holiday.

The information discusses the damage that sugary foods can cause to oral health. It outlines how candy and chocolate can increase the risk of conditions like tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

Improving oral hygiene during this period is one of the most important changes children can make to reduce their risk of developing problems. Additionally, experts warn that consumption of candy should be limited to reasonable levels.