All kids love Halloween! Between the great costumes available and the fun parties that can be enjoyed – and perhaps even a scary movie or two – it puts a little fun into the fall season! And let’s not forget the “treats” – filling a pumpkin and, for some, a pillowcase (!) with goodies gathered from generous people in the neighborhood. But overdoing on the candy can cause problems … and who better to know this than a dentist!
Robert Martino, D.D.S. and C.E.O. of Wilson Martino Dental, the largest dental organization is West Virginia, advises kids to pick a few of their favorite treats to keep, but don’t overindulge. In addition to harming children’s teeth, it can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. And in some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken teeth and damaged braces.
Dr. Martino’s solution is his annual Trick-or-Treat for the Troops campaign! Trick-or-Treaters can bring their excess candy to any Wilson Martino Dental location or to TLC Dental during normal business hours from November 3rd through 7th and they will be paid $1 for every pound of candy they turn in! The offices will then ship all of that candy to troops serving overseas!
“Kids can still have all the fun of trick-or-treating and can choose a few pieces of candy to enjoy, but then let us buy the rest!” Dr. Martino explained. “A few pieces of candy here and there won’t do much harm to your teeth, but doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your mouth a healthy boost. This campaign gives us the opportunity to fill kids’ piggy banks! Plus, we’ll be giving out glowing toothbrushes to the kids who bring in their candy too; kids love brushing with them.”
Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2% annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means that parents need to make sure their kids’ teeth are being cared for more than ever.
Candy turned in must be unopened, of course. Then it will be shipped overseas to troops stationed there as a way of thanking them for their service.
Candy can be dropped off during office hours at each of the following Wilson Martino Dental locations – in Bridgeport, Buckhannon, Elkins, Fairmont, Morgantown, Teays Valley – or at TLC Dental in Sabraton. Find directions and office hours for all participating drop off locations by visiting www.wilsonmartinodental.com or www.tlcdentists.com or by calling 1-87-SMILE-Wide (877-645-3943).
What a great solution! Fill your piggy bank – not your teeth!
