While some people may think that Halloween is a dentist’s worst nightmare, Mark Helpin, D.M.D, says it’s just not realistic to be too restrictive with candy intake by thinking kids shouldn’t have any at all.

“It’ s important for parents to use good judgment and common sense when dispensing candy, cookies, cakes, or other treats,” says Helpin. “Those are the things most people enjoy — and we want our kids to enjoy life.”

The pediatric clinic sees roughly 3,000 children annually. In addition to regularly seeing patients, the clinic partners with schools across North Philadelphia to participate in Give Kids a Smile Day on Feb. 1, a national initiative sponsored by the American Dental Association that provides free preventive care and oral health education to underserved populations.