One area dentist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” The day after Halloween, Nov. 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Dr. Sceville’s office at 1390 West H St., Ste. D and receive $2 per pound (with a five pound limit). Dr. Jody Sceville is leading this anti-decay movement by giving away dollars in exchange for cavity-provoking, unopened candy.

There is a $500 cap, so it’s first-come, first-serve.

The collected candy will be sent to Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit program that provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Military in an active, hands-on manner. In this case, the soldiers will receive tasty goodies. Pak Mail offered to donate half the shipping costs to mail the candy to Operation Gratitude’s Van Nuys collection facility.

“We’re trying to get as many people involved from the community as possible,” said Cathy Anderson, patient coordinator for Dr. Sceville’s office. “Plans are in the works to do this every year. We want to make it an annual event.”

There will also be a craft table set up so the children can make greeting cards to accompany the sweet treats.

Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2 percent 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.

For more information, call 847-8091.