Guest columnist Dr. Paul Mikhli, DDS, treats patients at Beachwood Dental.

Halloween season is here again -- pumpkins on porches, costumes in the works and candy bowls multiplying everywhere you look.

As a dentist (and a chocolate fan myself), I know the holiday requires a tricky balance: How do you enjoy the treats without putting your teeth at risk?

The good news is you don’t have to choose between fun and healthy teeth. With a few simple strategies, you and your family can enjoy Halloween while keeping your smiles cavity-free.

Think time, not just quantity

It’s not just how much sugar you eat -- it’s how long it lingers on your teeth. Sticky or slow-dissolving candies -- like caramels, lollipops and taffy -- bathe your teeth in sugar for longer, giving bacteria plenty of time t

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