It’s not zombies or ghosts or vampires. For dentists, the scariest thing about Halloween is the potential for cavities.
Accent Dental’s Dr. Wade McIntyre said some children get so much candy from Trick-or-Treating that their parents don’t know what to do with it. “It’s kind of a problem,” he said.
For the third year, McIntyre is holding a Halloween candy event where kids can trade their excess Halloween treats for money -- up to $5. Kids simply need to bring some of their candy to his office, at 1332 Wynnton Road, this afternoon. They’ll get money and a goody bag in exchange. Collected candy will then be shipped to U.S. troops stationed overseas.
In addition to the children being excited to do something for the troops, McIntyre said the dentists hope to promote better oral hygiene and maybe even gain a patient or two.
Dr. James Lopez, who owns Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, is participating in the program for the first time this year.
Operation Gratitude is the program that started it all and was the brainchild of Wisconsin dentist Chris Kammer several years ago. Through online promotion Operation Gratitude has caught the attention of dentists nationwide.
Bridgette Boykin, an assistant in the Lopez office, used to work at a dental office in Atlanta that participated in the program. She’s been instrumental in getting the word out about today’s event.
“We want to make sure that we’re giving back,” Boykin said about the decision to buy candy from kids.
Lopez said tooth decay and obesity are two of the biggest health issues children face, so handing in excess candy can be a healthy choice for kids.
Both offices will offer kids $1 per pound of candy they bring in (up to 5 pounds), plus toothbrushes and samples of other oral hygiene products. Lopez’ office will also have the Monkey Joe’s monkey, a cow from Chick-fil-A and the Ice Cream Girl on hand to talk with the kids.
“A lot of times the kids just want to give their candy (to soldiers). I have a little station where we have them sign cards for the soldiers and we put the cards in the boxes with the candy, along with toothbrushes, floss, paste,” said Boykin. “So we’re not just sending the candy over there, we’re sending thank-yous and toothbrushes and toothpaste.”
Both dentists said that while doing something kind for the troops is the basis for the event, they also hope to encourage kids to take better care of their teeth.
McIntyre will be weighing candy today from 1-6 p.m.; Lopez’ office from 5-7 p.m.
