NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 9, 2009 — An Easter basket filled with jellybeans is sure to bring a smile to any kid’s face, but Delta Dental of Tennessee would like to remind parents to think carefully when filling up their children’s baskets.

“I recommend sticking with candies that have a sugar substitute or chocolates that melt quickly. A chocolate Easter bunny is a lot less harmful than sticky treats or hard candies that stay on the teeth longer,” said Dr. Jed Jacobson, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., chief science officer at Delta Dental of Tennessee.

Parents should avoid gummy, sticky and hard candy, instead selecting treats that are gentle to dental work and easier to brush away. Sticky candies, like jellybeans, can uproot fillings, and the sugar tends to stay on the teeth. Long-lasting hard candies lead to an acid attack on the teeth the entire time they are in the mouth and for another 20 minutes after they have melted away.

“Regardless of the type of candy eaten, kids should follow it up with a glass of water or milk, which helps rinse sugar away from the teeth,” Dr. Jacobson said. “Of course, I’m sure the Easter Bunny would agree that carrots also make a great post-candy snack because they help clean teeth of residual sugar.”

Delta Dental also recommends kids have a nutritious meal or snack prior to digging into their Easter treats to avoid overindulgence.

As always, there’s no substitute for brushing and flossing at the end of the day to keep teeth clean and cavity free. A brightly colored toothbrush even makes a great Easter basket idea.

To find out more about dental health, contact a Delta Dental dentist. Find a local Delta Dental dentist by visiting http://www.deltadentaltn.com/ and clicking on the “Dentist Search” link.

Delta Dental of Tennessee, with its affiliates in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Tennessee, is one of the largest dental plan administrators in the nation. In 2008, the enterprise paid out nearly $2.1 billion for dental care for more than 6.6 million enrollees. Offices are located in Okemos and Farmington Hills, Mich.; Indianapolis and Greenwood, Ind.; Louisville, Ky.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; and Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis, Tenn.