From a press release –
In an effort to promote a safe and healthy Halloween for children, Molen Orthodontics is buying back the candy from young trick-or-treaters that they collect this year. This is the fifth year Molen Orthodontics has hosted this event.
Children can bring their wrapped Halloween candy to any of our three office locations between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. today, Monday, and receive $2 per pound for their candy (10 pound maximum). They will also pay an extra dollar to the kids that wear their Halloween costumes and yet an extra dollar to kids who bring in two canned food items.
All of the candy and canned food will be donated to local charitable organizations, including sending some of the candy over seas to military personnel who are serving our country.
Last year, Molen Orthodontics collected more than 2,500 lbs of Halloween candy. They are hoping for an even larger success this year.
“Halloween is a fun holiday for kids of all ages,” Dr. Rick Molen said in a press release. “But too much candy can contribute to tooth decay. And for people who wear braces, eating sticky or chewy candy can harm their braces and may lengthen their orthodontic treatment.”
Dr. Molen recommended children who wear braces avoid such snacks as caramel, nuts, hard candies, licorice, taffy, jelly beans and bubblegum. They also advise patients to steer away from popcorn (especially un-popped kernels), hard pretzels and tortilla chips.
“Soft candies, like chocolate or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties, are acceptable in moderation,” Dr. Molen said. “In addition, regular brushing and flossing are essential parts of good dental care and oral hygiene for everyone, but especially for those who wear braces.”
During October, which is National Orthodontic Health Month, members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) conducted a wide range of activities to educate the public and their patients about protecting their teeth during Halloween and are sharing information about the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Molen Orthodontics offices is located at 16202 64th Street East #103 in Sumner. Additional offices are located in Enumclaw and Auburn. For more information on the candy buy-back, please contact Korrina or Sindye at Molen Orthodontics at 253-939-2552.
