Local Dentist Calls on Kids for Candy

Leftover candy won't be a problem for Lincoln Park kids who decide to unload their booty for a little extra cash.

Those kids can visit Westend Dental, 1170 W. Armitage Ave., from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3, when dentists David Fiore and Matt Zandar will be giving away dollars and dental health kits in exchange for cavity-creating candy, according to a news release from the office.

"Ditch the candy, that’s what we’re saying," Zander said in a statement published in Huffington Post Chicago. "Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost."

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Those dropping off candy, which must be unopened, will be limited at 10 pounds a piece, according to the news release. All will be shipped overseas through Operation Gratitude.

"Offering a sweet treat to our hard-working soldiers can provide just the boost of morale that is needed while they are so far away from their families," says the news release.

Decreasing sugar in a diet can dramatically impact dental health, experts said. Candy can also lead to broken teeth and for many kids, damaged braces.

Candy will be collected at Westend Dental on Thursday, Nov. 1, and Friday, Nov. 2, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.