Cash for Candy Fights Cavities, Helps Troops Overseas

Now that Halloween's over, kids in Oklahoma have the chance to cash in on their candy and help our troops overseas.

Tuesday, November 3rd 2009, 6:24 pm

By: News 9


By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma -- Now that Halloween's over, kids in Oklahoma have the chance to cash in on their candy and help our troops overseas.

There's a dentist in the metro handing out a buck for each pound of treats collected, but it's a three-part deal. Kids make some cash, dentists fight cavities and American soldiers get some sweets from home.

The candy buy-back is happening at one Midwest City dental office.

Dr. Edward Harroz works hard to fight cavities and clean out the bacteria that lingers in your mouth.

“When we provide sugar to the bacteria, the bacteria is able to grow and multiply,” Dr. Harroz said.

So instead of multiplying the number of patients he sees post trick-or-treat time, he and his team are working to get candy off of the streets, and into the big donation box set up in the office.

Many were skeptical that kids would give up their candy, but Dr. Harroz said kids are excited to give up their candy because they feel like they’re doing some good.

American soldiers in the Middle East deserve a ration of sugar, he believes and kids deserve $1 per pound.

“We're going to weigh the candy and have goody bags set up for all the kids,” Dr. Harroz said.

Not only will children walk away with toothbrush, paste, floss and a few bucks, but dentists will be working to stop the spread of bacteria, by fighting cavities before they even start.

“Now there's about 800 dentists across the U.S. that are doing this. And there's a couple in Oklahoma that are doing it. If every dentist did it, it would be great, and we encourage it. It's a way to give back a little bit, and doesn't cost too much for either party,” Dr. Harroz said.

Dr. Harroz knows that kids will want to eat at least some of their candy. So he gave a quick tip: Make sure they drink water after they eat all that sugar.

The candy buy-back is happening at Denistry by Design, located at 7215 East Reno in Midwest City. They'll be collecting candy Tuesday night until 7 p.m.

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