MARYSVILLE — Halloween candy can contribute to tooth decay, and some candy can even damage orthodontic patients’ braces. Orthodontist Dr. Jason Bourne at Bourne Orthodontics will help kids avoid injury to their braces and their teeth by buying back Halloween candy.
In the 7th Annual Halloween Candy Buy-Back, Dr. Bourne is paying $4 for each pound of Halloween treats surrendered in his office. Two dollars will go to the child, and the other $2 will be donated to the local Boys and Girls Club and YMCA. Last year, Bourne Orthodontics collected over 1,100 pounds of Halloween candy, allowing them to donate over $2,200. Best of all, the donated candy is then sent to the troops serving overseas.
Some candies are permissible for orthodontic patients, according to Dr. Bourne. They include plain chocolate or soft, chocolate-covered peanut butter cups. However, Dr. Bourne cautions that patients should brush and floss thoroughly after indulging in treats with a high sugar content.
Dr. 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.”
Dr. Bourne notes that the days immediately following Halloween are usually an orthodontist’s busiest time of year for emergency calls. He hopes that his candy buy-back program will cut down on orthodontic emergencies and tooth decay, and help children, especially those wearing braces, enjoy the holiday. Additionally, he aims to help out the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs with this donation. Bourne Orthodontics offices in Marysville and Lake Stevens will accept children’s Halloween candy at the weigh-in, during normal business hours, on the following dates:
• Nov. 2, 4, 8 and 10 at the Marysville office at 815 State Ave, Suite 3 (in the Cascade Bank building).
• Nov. 1, 3, 9, and 11 at the Lake Stevens office at 9633 Market Pl., Suite 104 (in Parpia Plaza, just southeast of Target).
Bourne Orthodontics can be contacted at the Marysville office at 360-659-0211, at the Lake Stevens office at 425-334-4053, or at www.bourneorthodontics.com.
