TORONTO

Candy for cash? Ontario dentist fighting 'scary' tooth decay

The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, October 29, 2013 1:48PM EDT

Ron Snyder gives out candy from the bed of his pickup truck to "trunk-o-treaters" at the Blocktober Halloween event at High Desert Church in Victorville, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012. (AP / The Victor Valley Daily Press, David Pardo)

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GEORGETOWN, Ont. -- A dentist in Georgetown, Ont., is fighting off 'scary' tooth decay by offering money to trick-or-treaters in exchange for their Halloween candy.

Kids can swap their unopened candy with dentist Corey Grossman, who will trade $1 for every pound of candy received on Nov. 1.

They will also get toothbrushes, dental floss and dental-care packages in exchange for the sweets.

Grossman says there is nothing wrong with indulging in some candy, as long as it's backed up with proper brushing and flossing.

He says the goal of the candy swap is to promote good oral health in the community and he is looking forward to the response.

"The parents are excited about it. They think it's a great idea," Grossman said.

"For the kids the money is a little bit of an inspiration, but they are like 'do I have to give all my candy?' They are getting a little bit worried," he said laughing.

All the candy collected will be given to a local shelter along with a cash donation.