Halloween is every child’s dream and every dentist’s nightmare. All those sugary treats sure taste great, but too many of them can lead to tooth decay.
That’s why Oxford dentist Dr. John Khoury is offering to buy children’s excess Halloween candy this year.
‘It’s something to help out the kids so they don’t eat as much candy and get as many cavities,? he said.
Unopened candy will be collected at Khoury’s Oxford Smile Center, located at 1120 S. Lapeer Rd. (south of Drahner Rd.), on Monday, Nov. 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., then shipped to U.S. troops serving overseas.
For every pound of candy turned in, the dentist will pay $1 and give out special toothbrushes featuring Disney princesses, Power Rangers or characters from the movie ‘Cars.?
‘It should be a fun experience helping out all the kids,? said Khoury, noting the children need not be patients at the Oxford Smile Center to participate.
Each child who turns in candy will receive a certificate for a free kids meal at Chili’s Grill & Bar. Parents will be able to enter a drawing for a $100 gift card to Kruse & Muer.
Given global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2 percent annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, the local dentist felt he had to do something to help curb the effects.
‘Tooth decay is a serious epidemic among kids and adults,? he said. ‘More than half of the kids and adults that come in here have at least one cavity.?
But tooth decay isn’t the only problem. In some cases, the wrong type of candy can lead to broken teeth or damaged braces.
In addition to hurting teeth, candy can also lead to hyperactivity and weight gain.
For more information about this event or the Oxford Smile Center call (248) 969-7645 or visit www.oxfordsmilecenter.com.