While many children dreaming of chowing down on candy this Halloween, dentists are hoping to provide kids with some incentives for trading in their sugary treats -- all in a way to help the troops.
More than 1,000 dentists across the country are participating in the Halloween Candy Buy-Back program, which is run by the non-profit Operation Gratitude, U-T San Diego reported. The buy-back program offers children the opportunity to switch their extra Halloween candy for cash or coupons. Operation Gratitude then sends those candies to troops overseas -- along with other items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Not only do kids come out a little bit richer -- but they may also be saving themselves some rotten gums or future cavities.
Some dentists are also looking to amp up the deal by offering more than just money. One San Marcos dentist, Dr. Niray Shah of Dreamscape Dental, will also enter candy-trading children into a drawing for illustrious prizes such as a new iMac or iPad.
"It's mostly to help with promoting health. I don't really anticipate generating much business out of it," Shah told U-T San Diego.
To find local dentists participating in Halloween Candy Buy-Back, visit www.halloweencandybuyback.com and enter your zip code.
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