Orthodontist buying back Halloween treats

Who can really resist the tasty treats of Halloween?

Peanut butter cups, caramel covered in chocolate, candy corn, gummi treats and all the sweet candies a young heart may desire. But this time of year is more of challenge for young trick-or-treaters with braces, which is why a Dothan orthodontist is offering to buy back part of this year’s treats for one day only.

“Dentists in general and orthodontists around try to establish good habits,” said Dr. Charles Crowder of Crowder Orthodontics.

The candy buy-back will be Sunday, Nov. 1, at Crowder Orthodontics.

Braces are an expensive investment, and the wrong kind of treat can break a bracket or get caught in the braces and lead to tooth decay.

“The biggest concern is candy in general,” Crowder said.

October is recognized as National Orthodontic Health Month, and orthodontists like Crowder are doing what they can to make sure their young patients make it through Halloween without any orthodontal disasters, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.

Hard candy is particularly bad for braces, Crowder said. Sticky and chewy treats should also be avoided. That means no Jolly Ranchers, no Now and Laters and no taffy.

But not all candy is bad. Softer treats are OK, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups or anything that melts in your mouth.

Crowder said trick-or-treaters with braces should also take care around their gum lines and make sure to brush their teeth as soon as possible after eating sweets. Candy can stick to brackets and lead to bacteria build-up as soon as 30 minutes after eating. If no toothbrush is available, Crowder recommends rinsing your mouth with water.

Crowder hopes for a good turnout.

“They have their treats that evening, and then come back for a reward the next day for not eating all of it,” he said.
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Halloween candy buy-back
When: Sunday, Nov. 1, 1:30-4 p.m.
Where: Crowder Orthodontics, 206 Executive Park Drive, Dothan (behind Stein Mart and across from Davis Theaters’ Cinema II).
Details: All youth ages 2-14 will receive $1 for each pound of Halloween treats collected (5-pound maximum). Candy will be given to the Wiregrass Food Bank. Crowder Orthodontics will donate $1 for each pound collected to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Dothan and The Wiregrass Food Bank.
Info: Call 792-5124 or visit http://www.crowderortho.com