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

Fred Michmershuizen, DTA

Thu. 29 October 2009

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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 trick-or-treaters in exchange for their Halloween candy — and then ship the sweets to American troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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

“Ditch the candy, that’s what we’re saying,” said Dr Todd Snyder from Aesthetic Dental Designs in Laguna Niguel, CA, USA, one of the dentists offering the anti-decay promotion. “Visiting your dentist three times per year and brushing and flossing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost.”

Last year, Dr Jerry Strauss and his team at Aesthetic Dental Care, a practice offering cosmetic dentistry in Essex County, NJ, USA, sent more than 110 pounds of candy to US soldiers fighting oversees. This year, Dr Strauss hopes to hit the 200-pound mark.

Dr Strauss said he wanted to bring back the programme for the wealth of good it provides, and also because it was such a success last year. In fact, he hopes to make the program an annual event for many years to come.

Another dentist taking part is Dr Peter Ciampi of Spring Lake Dental Care in Monmouth County, NJ, USA. He and the other 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.

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

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