Oklahoma City, OK -- Halloween is a fun and challenging time for parents who want their children to experience the holiday's excitement while avoiding the potential health hazards caused by sugar overload.

Dr. Theresa White, a pediatric dentist at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, said a few easy steps and compromises can lead to a fun and tooth-friendly Halloween.

"We could tell children - and adults for that matter - to never eat candy, but we have to be practical. I don't think there's anyone who never eats sweets," White said. "So, it's OK for kids to eat Halloween candy. We just need to pay attention to how they do it."

White and the American Dental Association offer the following tips to save teeth from the sugar rush this Halloween.

• Brush, brush, brush - The best way to reduce the chance of tooth decay is to have children brush and floss their teeth after eating sweets, which should be done year-round not just at Halloween.

• Eat at mealtime - Eating candy with a meal reduces the chance that the sugar will overwhelm your teeth's defenses, since more saliva is being produced. Calcium and phosphate in saliva help neutralize the acid caused by sugar.

• Avoid types of candy - Sticky, chewy and hard candy such as suckers, keep sugar on teeth longer.

• Clear your mouth - If you can't brush right away, rinse your mouth with water, chew sugar-free gum or snack on cheese or nuts.

• Set a limit - Some parents let children eat candy for a few days and throw out or give away the rest. Some take "leftover" candy to work to share. Others allow one treat with dinner each night. Whatever the rule in your house, don't let children snack throughout the day for several days and weeks. This not only has an impact on teeth, but can lead to other health problems as well.

• Give different treats - Individually wrapped prizes, toys, unpopped popcorn packets, nuts and other items are a good alternative to traditional Halloween candy.

• Keep it up - Good oral hygiene is needed throughout the year. Regular trips to the dentist and brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day (or even better after every meal) can significantly improve your chances of keeping natural teeth for a lifetime.