United Concordia Dental Insurance Reminds Parents to Protect Children's Teeth During Halloween, Year-Round

SAVANNAH, Ga., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Larry McKinley, DDS. "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 new kid-friendly dental health information and activities on its Web site. To access the site, log on to http://www.ucci.com/ and click on "Diversity at United Concordia" where you'll find the "Children's Fun Pages" link. The new 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. 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 and
    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.

  About United Concordia

United Concordia Companies Inc., a Highmark Inc. subsidiary headquartered in Harrisburg, PA, is one of the nation's largest group dental insurers with more than 6.5 million members worldwide. In 2004, United Concordia processed more than 11 million claims and attained revenues of $1 billion. For more information about United Concordia, visit http://www.unitedconcordia.com/.