Naperville dentists helps you donate treats to troops overseas

Children's treasured haul of candy bars, suckers, fruit drops and jawbreakers can be the scariest part of the Halloween trick-or-treat ritual for parents concerned about dental health.

For the second year, Pearly Dental, a Naperville dental practice, is offering a novel way to keep overindulgence to a minimum.

Candy dropped off between 10 a.m. and noon today at Dr. Hitesh Patel's office, 1060 E. Ogden Ave., will be donated to Operation Support Our Troops of Illinois, the local branch of a national nonprofit organization that regularly ships provisions to U.S. soldiers.

"They will ship it for us," said Desiree Klein, clinical coordinator at Pearly Dental. "We're really proud to say we collected over 1,000 pounds last year. We hope to beat that this year. It's a lot of candy. We took three car loads last year."

Klein said those who contribute candy will be paid $1 per pound.

"A lot of people just donate it. They don't even accept the money," she said.

For those who do, "it helps them with their piggy banks," she said.

Klein said many parents have their children bring in all or some of the candy they collected going door-to-door to neighbors' houses.

"We get everything in the book - a lot of treats, cookies," she said. "A lot of the moms, they don't want their kids to have all that sugar."

Candy consumption can increase the chances children will develop dental decay, Klein said, "especially when you don't brush after."

Klein said toothbrushes and coupons for area merchants will be distributed to candy donors.

If you go

What: Ditch the Candy for Cash

When: 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 1

Where: Pearly Dental, 1060 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville

Details: Get $1 per pound of treats donated to Operation Support Our Troops

Info: (630) 305-7500 or pearlydental.com