When you think of rotten teeth, do you visualize a scary witch with a greenish tint to her skin, long nose and a few teeth missing from her snarly grin?

Unfortunately, recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thinking of rotten teeth now conjures up a much more disturbing image: Millions of smiling preschoolers with baby teeth ruined by tooth decay.

According to the CDC, as many as 28 percent of U.S. children between the ages of 2 and 5 suffers from rotten teeth.

Here’s how to prevent rotten teeth in your children:

1. Limit those popular sugary foods and drinks.
2. Drink water to rinse your mouth after eating those sugary foods and drinks.
3. Even better, brush your teeth after eating those sugary foods and drinks.
4. Avoid baby bottle tooth decay by never putting a child to sleep with a bottle.
5. Brush and floss daily.
6. Visit your dentist for regular hygiene appointments.