This Halloween, a number of orthodontists across the United States won’t be giving candy to trick-or-treaters — they’ll be taking it away.It’s part of an increasingly popular practice in which orthodontists give children $1 per pound of Halloween candy — up to five pounds.The Halloween candy buybacks help kids recognize National Orthodontic Health Month, support overseas troops, and teach children about eating habits that keep teeth healthy.
Feil Orthodontics in Bismarck, ND is one of the many orthodontic practices taking part in the Halloween candy buyback, according to the Bismarck Tribune. The children who sell their candy can choose to either keep the money or donate it to Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to U.S. troops and veterans.
Another key component of the Halloween candy buybacks is to encourage healthy Halloween candy eating habits among kids, especially those wearing braces. Kids with braces and other orthodontic treatments can eat plain chocolate candies and peanut butter cups. However, sticky or hard candies, like caramel and licorice, should be avoided.
Tanyard Springs Family Dentistry in Spring Hill, TN is another dental practice taking part in the Halloween candy buyback. The practice also sends the money raised — along with the candy collected — to Operation Gratitude, theColumbia Daily Herald reports.“It’s a huge turnout,” Ashley Hood, an employee at Tanyard Springs, said. “We usually have our whole hallway lined with candy. A couple years ago we had over $500 in postage (to ship the candy to Operation Gratitude).”