CASH FOR CANDY AS SEEN ON CNN AND LOCAL ABC AFFILLIATES.

Local Dentists Take a Stand Against Sweets this Halloween

PORT ST LUCIE, FL - What's a ghost's favorite candy? BOO-ble gum!

Three area pediatric dentists are redefining the phrase "put your money where your mouth is." This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Pediatric Dentistry of the Treasure Coast, Ardalan Pediatric Dentistry, Dermody Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Port St Lucie and receive $1 per pound. Dr. Francisco Arias, Dr. Reza Ardalan, and Dr. Rachel Dermody are leading this anti-decay movement by giving away dollars and glowing electric toothbrushes in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.

"Ditch the candy, that's what we're saying. 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," says Dr. Francisco Arias from Pediatric Dentistry of the Treasure Coast. *42% of children 2 to 11 have had tooth decay in their primary teeth. "Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well. Plus, these glowing brushes we're giving out are really cool-they're like light sabers for your mouth."

Global sugar consumption for kids' increases by about 2% annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever. Candy, as well as hurting children's teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken teeth and damaged braces.

Candy will be collected at all three locations the day after Halloween November 1st. Pediatric Dentistry of the Treasure Coast, Ardalan Pediatrics and Dermody Pediatrics & Orthodontics from 12:00 noon 2:00pm. The candy must be unopened. Please no bites. It will then be shipped to troops overseas.

We all are pleased to promote this event for the 3rd year. It was so rewarding last year, and we hope to beat our record of collecting more than a 1 ton and a half from last year. Information is available at the following locations.

Dr. Francisco Arias *Pediatric Dentistry of the Treasure Coast

1316 SE Port St Lucie Blvd Port 772-337-0899

Dr. Reza Ardalan *Ardalan Pediatri c Dentistry

374 SW PrimaVista Blvd 772-344-4664

Dr. Rachel Dermody* Dermody Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

441 SW Bethany Drive 772- 879-1879

*source www.dentalguideusa.org