A Chateauguay dentist is trying to save local kids and their parents from the horror of cavities, now that all those sugary treats are kicking around the house.
Dentist Thu Nguyen knows how bad too much sugar can be on little teeth, so inspired by American dentists — she's started a local project to encourage moderation.
"We ask kids to bring back their extra candies and we exchange one dollar for every pound of candies," she says. "Up to 10 pounds of candy."
Each trick or treater is entered into a raffle for a toy prize. The whole thing costs her a few hundred dollars, which she says is worth it for some healthy smiles and to develop relationships with local families.
She then drops the candy off at a senior residence.
"We assume they have more wisdom than the kids so they can control themselves better with the candies."
Nguyen says she's not against eating sugar and lets her own kids eat Halloween candy — as long as they remember to brush their teeth.