Wednesday, October 31, 2001

New Halloween treats actually good for teeth

Parents across the country are getting ready for one of the scarier parts of Halloween: contemplating all the cavities their youngsters are courting with those bags full of candy.

This year, parents can combat the problem by giving out toothbrushes to youngsters as Halloween treats, instead of (or at least in addition to) the usual candy. Oral care companies are making it much easier to do this. Reach, for instance, offers a full range of brushes that feature kids' favorite characters from Scooby Doo to Arthur.

Parents are also stocking up on a new, tasty bubble-gum flavored toothpaste from Reach. Just in time for Halloween and the release of the Harry Potter movie, the company has launched a Harry Potter-themed toothpaste and a toothbrush to enable kids to become wizards at caring for their teeth. They're both now available at drugstores and mass merchandisers.

These two products can help parents follow the advice of Lana Rozenberg D.D.S.: "The main objective in proper oral hygiene for young children is making it fun by using games and other fun activities."

Here are more ways parents can make brushing fun and effective for their youngsters:

Keep toothpaste usage minimal. Young children tend to swallow most of the toothpaste which can cause permanent spots on their teeth, a condition called dental fluorosis.

Children need supervision and help until they are between six and eight years of age to ensure a thorough cleaning and minimal swallowing.

Never miss bedtime brushing. If you do, bacteria that feeds off sugar and causes cavities will have all night to do harm.

Teach children to jiggle the bristles of the toothbrush in a circular motion very gently to remove any plaque growing under the gum line.

Choose a brush that is especially designed to fit a child's grip. For instance, all of the brushes in the Reach Kids collection are sized smaller to allow a child to have more control.

Be sure kids brush both sides of the teeth and the tongue.

Never let children drink juice or milk after brushing teeth at bedtime.

Keep these tips in mind and you may find you can keep healthier teeth in your youngster's heads long after Halloween is just a sweet memory.