Bourne Orthodontics buys back Halloween candy for eighth year

MARYSVILLE — Area orthodontist Dr. Jason Bourne is bringing back his Halloween candy buy-back program for the eighth year starting on Nov. 1. This year, Bourne is paying $4 for each pound of Halloween treats surrendered to his offices, with $2 going to the child and the other $2 being donated to the local Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA.

October 25, 2011 5:00 pm
Dr. Jason Bourne has bought back almost 5
Dr. Jason Bourne has bought back almost 5

MARYSVILLE — Area orthodontist Dr. Jason Bourne is bringing back his Halloween candy buy-back program for the eighth year starting on Nov. 1.

This year, Bourne is paying $4 for each pound of Halloween treats surrendered to his offices, with $2 going to the child and the other $2 being donated to the local Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA.

Last year, Bourne Orthodontics collected more than 1,700 pounds of Halloween candy, allowing them to donate more than $3,400.

The donated candy is sent to American troops serving overseas, local homeless shelters and humanitarian groups for trips to Africa.

Since its inception, the Bourne Orthodontics Halloween candy buy-back has donated almost $10,000 and 5,000 pounds of candy.

“We love this program because the kids still get to have fun ‘trick-or-treating’, plus they get money and save their teeth,” Bourne said. “When we can give back to our community and the troops, it’s a lot of fun.”

Halloween candy can contribute to tooth decay, and some candy can even damage orthodontic patients’ braces. Bourne aims to aid kids avoid injury to their braces and teeth by buying back their Halloween candy.

Bourne explained that some candies are permissible for orthodontic patients, including plain chocolate or soft, chocolate-covered peanut butter cups, but he nonetheless cautioned that patients should brush and floss thoroughly after indulging in treats with a high sugar content.

Bourne recommends that children who wear braces avoid these foods or candies:

• Caramel and taffy.

• Hard candy.

• Bubblegum.

• Hard pretzels.

• Peanuts.

• Taco chips.

• Un-popped kernels of popcorn.

Parents of children who wear braces may want to check out their children’s Halloween candy and eliminate these potential “brace-busters.”

Bourne noted that the days immediately following Halloween are usually an orthodontist’s busiest time of year for emergency calls.

Both Bourne Orthodontics offices will accept children’s Halloween candy during normal business hours, on the following dates:

• Nov. 1, 3, 7 and 9 in the Marysville office at 815 State Ave., Suite 3.

• Nov. 2, 8, 10 and 14 in the Lake Stevens office at 9633 Market Pl., Suite 104.