Local Dentists Trade Cash for Halloween Candy

Oct. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases of childhood – five times more common than asthma. Untreated tooth decay can submit children to persistent pain, an inability to eat comfortably or chew well, and discolored or damaged teeth.  Sticky and chewy candy can linger on teeth, which can result in tooth decay.  Some hard Halloween treats can cause damage to teeth in the form of chips or cracks.  The doctors of Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry recommend the following tips this Halloween:

Limit your intake of candy and consider avoiding it altogether
Look for softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods
Any foods that are sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy should be avoided by anyone wearing braces or retainers.

"Eating hard, sticky and chewy foods can contribute to tooth decay and could cause teeth to break," says Dr. Laila Hishaw, pediatric dentist.

“We want kids to still enjoy Halloween,” mentions Dr. Priya Abramian, pediatric dentist, “so we are excited to give kids a chance to redeem their candy for cash.”

Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is holding their annual Candy Buy Back program so that patients don’t have to miss out on the trick-or-treating fun.  Patients, as well as non-patients, are encouraged to swap their candy for cash November 1-9 and will award $1 per pound of candy.  All candy collected will be donated to troops overseas.