The Royal College of Surgeons has issued tips to ensure rotten smiles are just for Halloween.
Prof Nigel Hunt said: "We don't want to spoil the fun."
But the dean of the faculty of dental surgery said the state of children's teeth was a "national scandal" and added: "We want to help parents make sensible decisions about letting their children eat sweets at Halloween and all year round." His tips include:
If children are given sweets on Halloween they shouldn't eat them straightaway, but save them to have with a meal at home to reduce the impact on their teeth.
If the child is thirsty, make sure they do not have sugary drinks, water is better.
Even though they may be tired, make sure children brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste before going to bed.