Dental News - Dentists collect Halloween candy in trick-or-treat buyback

Fred Michmershuizen, DTA

Mon. 9 November 2009

save

NEW YORK, NY, USA: Everyone knows candy causes tooth decay. That means come Halloween, dental care professionals are simply aghast. Some dentists this year, however, used a clever idea to cut down on the need for drilling and filling. Around the country, a number of dentists gave cash and prizes to trick-or-treaters in exchange for their Halloween candy.

The sweets are being shipped to American troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We bought back approximately 70 pounds of candy,” said Dr Todd Snyder of Aesthetic Dental Designs in Laguna Niguel, CA, USA, one of the dentists who held an anti-decay promotion this year. “Surprisingly, I am amazed at how much candy it takes to weigh that much. We had a steady stream every five to 10 minutes of parents with one or two kids who would drop off their candy.”

In addition to getting US$1 per pound for the candy they brought in to dental offices, the children also received toothbrushes and the chance to win raffle prizes. The programs are designed to help kids maintain healthy teeth and gums.

“Ditch the candy, that’s what we’re saying,” said Dr Snyder, who dressed up as a soldier for the post-Halloween buyback event. His office staff dressed up as well. His patients loved it, and passers-by were amused as well.

Dr Snyder said he feels all the attention definitely made an impression on people about the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

“It’s good to remind people that visiting your dentist three times per year and brushing and flossing daily are great preventative measures,” he said. “Doing away with excess sweets altogether really gives teeth a healthy boost.”

Other dentists holding similar events this year included Dr Jerry Strauss of Aesthetic Dental Care, a practice offering cosmetic dentistry in Essex County, NJ, USA, and Dr. Peter Ciampi, of Spring Lake Dental Care in Monmouth County, NJ, USA.

The dentists pointed out that, every year, kids across the globe consume about 2 per cent more sugar than the last. With about 50 million tons of sugar being consumed annually, extra attention needs to be paid to make sure children are taking care of their teeth and gums to maintain oral health and prevent current and future dental problems.

Moderating or even staying away from candy altogether can not only protect children from broken teeth and damaged braces, it can also lessen the risk of developing weight problems or hyperactivity issues, the dentists said.

“Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well,” Dr Snyder said.

To post a reply please login or register

Dentists to collect candy from trick-or-treaters, send it to troops overseas

NEW YORK, NY, USA: Here’s a clever idea: after Halloween this year, a number of dentists around the country will give cash and prizes to ...

Halloween Candy Buyback Program aims to preserve dental health

MIDDLETON, Wis., USA: Dentists across the country are participating in a crusade to end children’s consumption of cavity-inducing treats by buying ...

Halloween candy can be scary for teeth, dental professionals say

NEW YORK CITY: Halloween is a special time when kids of all ages take delight in being scared. Of course nobody really gets harmed, the ghoulishness is all ...

Halloween candy buy-back program targets cavities, supports troops

BUENA PARK, Calif., USA: Dentists across the country will once again collect excess candy from young patients on Nov. 1 as part of the 9th annual Halloween ...

National Children’s Oral Health Foundation launches Trick or Treat for America’s Toothfairy

CHARLOTTE, NC, USA: Halloween is not usually associated with good oral health habits and healthy teeth. But this year, dental professionals across the ...

ADA and PopCap Games offer giveaways as alternative to Halloween candy

 SEATTLE, Wash., USA: The American Dental Association and PopCap Games, a digital games creator and a division of EA, have announced a joint campaign ...

Dentists treat patients for sleep disorders

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: Sleep dentistry is changing the way patients with sleep disorders are treated. Traditionally, sleep apnoea has been the exclusive ...

Halloween is busiest night of year for the Toothfairy

CHARLOTTE, NC, USA: Halloween is just around the corner, and the Toothfairy’s nightmare is about to begin. Believe it or not, Halloween is the busiest...

ADA offers online education for dentists who treat nursing home residents

CHICAGO, Ill., USA: The American Dental Association (ADA) is offering online training for dentists interested in providing care for nursing home residents. ...

Tool kit helps dentists treat young patients with autism

NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: An autism organization recently published a guide to help dentists, dental hygienists and practice staff to better understand the ...

Education

Live webinar
Thu. 11 September 2025
1:00 PM EST (New York)