WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Salem dentist is buying candy from children this Halloween to fight cavities
Member Center:
Halloween can be a dentist's worst nightmare.
Just thinking about all the candy, has one Salem dentist taking a stand.
Dr. Caroline Wallace is fighting cavities this Sunday by offering children the opportunity to sell their candy to her practice for a dollar per pound.
"We've got an alternative that we can give it to soldiers in their Christmas packages. They can share it with children around the world that might not have candy," said Wallace.
She realizes kids will want to eat at least some of their candy. But she offers these words of advice.
"If you're going to eat things you shouldn't that's ok, go brush it off you're teeth. It's when you leave it on," said Wallace.
Some candies are also worse than others because they stick to the teeth. Wallace says some chewy candies can also pull off a child's filling or sealant.
Wallace recommends choosing candy that melts off the teeth, like chocolate. But still it all boils down to all the sugar.
"People don't realize the enamel on baby teeth is very thin, it decays very easily. If that sugar is left on those teeth they'll get cavities," said Wallace.
When Wallace treats a child with cavities it breaks her heart because she knows it is preventable.
The candy buy back is Sunday November 1st from 1 to 3pm at Wallace's practice on 103 South Colorado Street in Salem. For more information click here.
Dr. Wallace will also be giving out her own goodie bag full of healthy treats including free passes for skating and bowling and of course toothpaste.
