ML Interest Tag: dental-care

13 Trunk-or-Treat Ideas for Spooky Halloween Fun

by Oz Spies

You can stash a lot of candy back there

You’ve landed on your pumpkin carving design, bookmarked the easy Halloween treats you’ll whip up, and stocked the kids’ shelves with the appropriate Halloween books. All that’s left is deciding if you’re doing a Trunk or Treat instead of going door to door this year. If you do opt to go the Trunk or Treat route, you’re going to want to stand out with one of the best themes around. Whether you’ve got time to be crafty or you’re scrambling to decorate your car at the last minute, we’ve got the best trunk-or-treat ideas from super simple to frightfully fantastic. Feeling extra inspired? Entertain your pint-sized visitors with some cackle-inducing Halloween jokes and kid-friendly ghost stories.

Click here and save this list for years to come on Pinterest.

Willy Wonka’s Factory

Nobody knows candy like Willy Wonka, and with the new prequel about the candymaker’s life coming out this year, this Golden Ticket-themed trunk-or-treat is perfect for a sweet set up.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Trunk-or-Treat

Peanuts for peanuts! This trunk-or-treat idea uses dollar store props and well-crafted cutouts to create a low-budget Halloween scene—Linus sitting in wait for the Great Pumpkin. This clever Charlie Brown comic strip scene used plastic pumpkins, burlap to line the trunk, some fall fabric placemats and faux leaves plus a poster board Linus and a welcome sign. Head to Lynlee’s for all the details.

Disney-Themed Trunk-or-Treat Idea

Everyone loves Disney-themed trunk-or-treat ideas! This fun Peter Pan version has us looking for our pixie dust.

Happy Camper

If you like to camp, then this trunk-or-treat idea will be a breeze to set up. The bonfire is especially cute!

Dead of the Dead

Day of the Dead trunk-or-treat ideas
Deonna Wade

How colorful is this Day of the Dead trunk-or-treat theme? With a few paper garlands, blankets, pumpkins, and a sugar skull or two, you can easily pull this off. Get all the details over at Deonna Wade. 

Party City Trunk-or-Treat Kits

Nightmare Before Christmas trunk or treat idea from party city
Party City

If you want to go big but want to find all the supplies in one spot, check out Party City's Themed Trunk or Treat Kits. You'll find The Nightmare Before Christmas, Super Mario Bros., and classic Halloween kits, and they all include balloons, serving bowls, streamers, and more!

Related: DIY Halloween Decorations to Deck Your Haunted Halls

Practically Perfect in Every Way

trunk-or-treat ideas
An Alli Event

We love this detailed Mary Poppins trunk-or-treat idea, spotted over at An Alli Event. The faux fireplace adds the perfect chimney sweep touch, and with costumes like these and a few props, you too will be ready for any event. A spoonful of sugar optional!

Harry Potter Trunk or Treat Theme

Harry Potter is always a favorite trunk-or-treat theme, and this incredible set up will inspire you for your own this Halloween. If your kids are fans, borrow all their dress-up accessories and then collect other tidbits to make a magical setting.

Gumball Machine

An Alli Event

This DIY gumball machine trunk or treat idea is one we can chew on. We love that it coordinates with an easy apron costume and that it doesn't take much more than fabric, paper, and puff balls. Take a closer look here.

Spooky Graveyard

a graveyard is an easy trunk or treat idea
Gabby Cullen

If you love Halloween decorations, just use what you already own to create a spooky graveyard! Tombstones, giant spiders, candles, skulls, and cobwebs. Go bigger with a full skeleton or a fog machine. 

Related: 53 Halloween Jokes for Kids That Are More Silly Than Scary

Minions

trunk-or-treat ideas
An Alli Event

Here's one of those easy trunk-or-treat ideas that will pop! Fill the car with yellow helium balloons accessorized as minions, and you'll be all set with a despicable display. You could also use blue balloons for an aquatic bubbly underwater scene or multicolored ones as gumballs.

Bat Cave

trunk-or-treat ideas
Tikiddo

A cave is the perfect Halloween backdrop whether you're a monster, ghoul, or bat. The stalagmites and stalactites for this bat cavern are made from styrofoam attached to the open trunk with paper bats hung on a string or attached with toothpicks into the foam. Head to Tikkido for the details.

Cookie Monster

For the Love of Felt

A great Cookie Monster trunk-or-treat theme just requires the right color blue. This version from Love of Felt uses a wooden frame, a black fabric mouth, brown felt cookies, and poster board eyes. You can also have the open trunk as the mouth, blue fabric stretched in place, styrofoam balls for eyes, and cookies made out of cardboard.

Make sure to capture all the spooky fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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4 Reasons You Can Start to Love Your Smile

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

Smiling comes naturally, but a straight smile often doesn’t. That’s where SmileDirectClub comes in. Rather than contend with a mouth full of metal braces (let’s keep those memories closed in our junior high yearbook!), SmileDirectClub uses a series of clear aligners to safely shift your teeth. Great for teens and adults, these clear aligners are removable, invisible and work fast.

Here are more reasons to grin about SmileDirectClub:

1. You’ll Get a Custom Treatment Plan

From the get-go, working with SmileDirectClub is easy, convenient, and customized to meet your needs. Simply provide an image of your teeth by doing a free 3D scan at SmileDirect, or order an easy-to-use impression kit at home. A state-licensed dentist will review your images, photos and medical history to create a custom aligner treatment plan to gradually move your teeth.

2. Comfort is Key

The words “comfortable” and “braces” don’t often go hand in hand, but SmileDirectClub’s BPA-free aligners are precision cut, using smooth soft, medium and firm plastics that won't irritate your cheeks or gums like traditional braces. Better yet, aligners don't require gluing buttons or brackets to your teeth, as other aligners often do.

3. It’s Affordable

You’ll receive a complete set of custom-fit aligners, which are made in the U.S. at a state-of-the-art, FDA-registered 3D printing facility, that'll deliver your dream smile in just four to six months on average. Since there’s no need to go in for regular office visits, SmileDirectClub aligners cost 60% less than braces, with no hidden costs or fees.

4. You Can Save Time With the Convenience of Telehealth

A huge perk of working with SmileDirectClub is that you get excellent care—from home! Rather than mandatory office visits, regularly scheduled Smile Check-ins™ are virtual. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 access to the dental care team via phone, real-time chat, live video chat or email. You can even track your progress on an app.

To keep your smile healthy now, and in the future, be sure to check out their other oral care products, such as whitening kits, electric toothbrushes and aligner brushes, water flossers and more. Book your free 3D scan or order an at-home impression kit today at shop.smiledirectclub.com.

– Jessica Solloway

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Brushing Goes High-Tech with Colgate’s Hum Kids

by Erica Loop

Forget about boring bushing! Colgate wants to make dental care fun. If your kiddos won’t brush or don’t know how to brush properly, the new hum kids by Colgate toothbrush combines dental health with augmented reality excitement.

The hum kids toothbrush syncs up to an app, turning it into an imaginative AR device. Every time your kiddo brushes, they can earn rewards, play games, and unlock new gaming levels—but that’s not all.

A colorful AR experience will guide your child through their brushing routine, using animated germs to help them care for their teeth correctly. The hum kids also comes with a parents-only dashboard. This means you can silently check-up on how often, how long, and how well your littles brush.

Bill Van de Graaf, Vice President, Marketing North America for Colgate, said, “We first introduced our hum by Colgate smart connected electric toothbrush for adults last summer that personalizes, coaches and rewards people every day when they brush their teeth.” Van de Graaf added, “hum kids also features smart connected technology that’s proven to build lifelong brushing habits, making better brushing with hum easy, fun and accessible for the whole family.”

The hum kids is a manual, replaceable smart brush that comes in yellow or coral. It features an ergonomic handle, extra-soft bristles, and a tongue cleaner. Pick up a starter kit for $14.99 at Target, Amazon, or from other retailers nationwide. After the kids wear the bristles down, you can replace the brush with a two-count pack ($3.99).

—Erica Loop

photos: Courtesy of PRNewswire

 

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7 Simple Ways Parents Can Make Their Child’s First Trip to the Dentist a Success

By Shiela Harris

The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that children should visit a pediatric dentist after their first tooth erupts or no later than his or her first birthday. This initial dental visit is valuable because you will learn how to care for those erupting baby teeth and your child will become familiar with the dentist, the sounds and smells of the dental office and what it’s like to have someone looking in his or her mouth.

By exposing your little one to these experiences early, you may prevent the onset of dentophobia—otherwise known as fear of the dentist. That said, the first visit may be challenging for you and your child. Use the tips below to make the visit a bit more enjoyable for everyone.

Read books about dental care.

Read books to your child about visiting the dentist. For example, “Going to the Dentist” by Anne Civardi and Scholastic’s “Brush, Brush, Brush!” book are both good choices. Since role-playing is a great way to familiarize your child with what occurs during a dental exam, consider taking turns mimicking what is happening. Even if your child is an infant, ask to look inside his or her mouth. Then, let your child look into yours.

Stay positive when talking about the dentist.

When you are speaking to your child about going to the dentist for the first time, avoid using any words that may cause anxiety. For example, it is best to avoid words such as needles, drill, hurt, scared and pain.

Help your child practice proper oral care.

If your child is too small to brush and floss, you can purchase an oral care kit that is designed specifically for little ones. The kit should contain a variety of mouth-cleaning tools to keep your baby’s teeth sparkling and gums healthy.

If you would rather not purchase a kit, a wet washcloth or piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and rubbed along the gums works well. However, once the first tooth erupts, a toddler-safe, soft-bristled toothbrush needs to be used twice daily. Until your dentist approves toothpaste, have your child brush with plain water.

Brush and floss with enthusiasm!

You can show your little one that oral care isn’t frightening by brushing and flossing enthusiastically. Be somewhat animated about it—make faces and squint your eyes—besides getting a laugh, you will be showing your child that taking care of your teeth can be fun.

Counter your child’s fears by remaining calm.

Children can easily read their parents’ emotions. Therefore, it is necessary that your child believes you are calm and relaxed, even if you are not. If you have dentophobia, you may want to ask your child’s other parent to bring him or her to the appointment. When this isn’t possible, speak with the pediatric dentist before the appointment. This information may be helpful as the dentist prepares for your child’s first visit.

Recognize the teeth and tongue during games.

Children love learning about parts of their bodies. For years, we have been teaching them to point to their noses, eyes, ears, belly buttons, etc. While these are all important parts of the body, the teeth and tongue are also essential. Add these to your list. Then, when the dentist asks to look at your child’s tongue, he or she can boldly stick it out.

Lead by example.

Primary teeth have a thinner layer of enamel than permanent teeth, which is why baby teeth are more susceptible to decay. As such, regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining the health of your child’s teeth and gums.

You can set a good example by consistently visiting your dentist. This consistency helps your child view going to the dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings in a more positive light.

While many believe the primary teeth are not as important as the secondary teeth, this is not the case. Even though these teeth are only in the mouth for a short time, their presence has a lasting effect on your child’s future dental needs.

The premature loss of a primary tooth leads to reduced space for the adult teeth, which ultimately results in crowding. Follow the above tips and your child’s first dentist visit can set him or her up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Dr. Sheila Harris is owner of Natomas Crossing Dental Care in Sacramento, California. Dr. Harris has been a licensed dentist since 2000, after graduating from Northwestern University School of Dentistry.

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How Sweet It Is! Halloween Candy Buybacks in San Diego

by Nikki Walsh

Your kids love trick-or-treating, but if you’re a bit spooked by the thought of them consuming their giant stash of Halloween sweets, why not let those little pumpkins in on a secret? They can trade their extra candy for cash! No tricks! Even more, they’ll be doing a good deed, because their wrapped treats get shipped to troops overseas. We’ve made it easy for you to offload the excess by finding over a dozen San Diego dentists who are hosting spook-tacular Halloween Candy Buybacks. Read on to find your local sweet spot to make the drop.

photo: Curtis L. Chan, DDS

Curtis L. Chan, DDS
Treat the troops to trick-or-treat candy and earn a little cash for your littles. Bring your extra goodies to dentist Dr. Chan’s on Nov. 10th with many other little ghouls and goblins. Amazingly, this dentist collected over 15,000 pounds of candy, 4,500 cards and letters and almost 500 beanie babies last year!

Date: Nov. 10, 3-7 p.m.
12835 Pointe Del Mar Way #3
Del Mar, CA 92014
Online: curtischandds.com

First Tooth Pediatric Dentistry
Do a boo-tiful thing and exchange your extra wrapped candy for treats Nov. 1-10. Not only does the candy go to support the troops overseas, but your little ghost can also choose a toy, gift card or cash in return for those sweets. Further, you’ll get $1 for every pound of candy with a max of 5 pounds.

Date: Nov. 1-10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2775 Via De La Valle, Ste. 103
Del Mar, CA 92014
Online: firsttoothsd.com

photo: U.S. Embassy Panama via Flickr

Warner Pediatric Dental
A ghostly gathering of happy teeth. It’s the 7th year for Dr. Warner Pediatric Dental’s candy buyback. Save the date Nov. 1st and support Operation Gratitude.

Date: Nov. 1, 2-6 p.m.
1443 Encinitas Blvd.
Encinitas, CA 92024
Online: warnerpediatricdental.com

Han Orthodontics
If you live in North County San Diego, we know ‘witch’ candy buyback to hit up: Dr. Han’s Orthodontics. Head on over between normal work hours, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 1st or 2nd. Your little pumpkin will get $1 per pound with a max of $5. Also, all kids need to be with an adult. Note: they take a break from noon-1:15 p.m. for lunch.

Date: Nov. 1 & 2
122 Civic Center Dr., Ste. 104
Vista, CA 92084
760-726-4790
Online: hanortho.com

photo: Clappstar via Flickr

Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry
Join Dr. Im for Operation Candy Buyback on Nov. 2nd to switch sweets for money. Hurry in because they’ll give $1 per pound with a max of 3 pounds to the first 50 kids. Moreover, the treats go overseas to troops in combat.

Date: Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
13422 Pomerado Rd. Ste 201
Poway, CA 92064
858-679-6660
Online: drellenimpediatricdentistry.com

Marey Stone & Cathy Schlaht DDS
Bring your goodies to Dr. Stone’s and Dr. Schlaht’s 6th Annual candy buyback. Even more, the candy goes to support the troops (with Halloween candy) in Operation Gratitude. These dentists pay $1 per pound with a max of 10 pounds per kiddo (wow!). Also, just a note, fresh candy only, please. Meaning candy that’s from Halloween, not Easter or Valentine’s Day.

Date: Nov. 1, 5 & 6; 8:30-noon & 1:30-4:30 p.m.
8077 La Mesa Blvd
La Mesa, CA 91942
619-465-8077
Online: lamesa-dentist.com

Coronado Pediatric Dentistry
Join Dr. Dixon in the fun this year. Bring your wrapped candy to this local dentist and your half-pint will get $1 per pound with a max of 5 pounds. You’ll be glad for fewer sweets and your little has money to buy a treat.

Date: Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
875 Orange Ave, Suite 210
Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: 619-435-6655
Online: coronadopediatricdentistry.com

photo: MjZ Photography via Flickr

Scripps Pediatric Dentistry
Stop zombie mouth! For a buck a pound, Scripps Pediatric will take your extra wrapped candy. Even more, this is their 8th year buying back sweets to give to the troops.

Date: Nov. 1-8
9840 Hibert St., B4
San Diego, CA 92131
Online: scrippspediatricdentistry.com

Tom Keller Pediatric Dentistry
It’s ghoulishly fun! Bring your packaged candy to Dr. Keller’s in Encinitas. You’ll be supporting the troops while earning $1 per pound with a max of 5 pounds. Also, are you done with your little one’s costume? Then bring it in and this dentistry will donate it to Kathy’s Legacy, a non-profit that helps families and children in need. Your costume will get used next year!

Date: Nov. 1-7, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
500 Second St.
Encinitas, CA 92024
760-635-3478
Online: tomkellerpediatricdentistry.com

La Jolla Dental Care
Receive $1 per pound for your candy and a glowing light-up toothbrush at La Jolla Dental Care. All candy is sent to troops via Operation Gratitude. Candy will be collected at the office of Dr. Charles Briscoe. Note: candy must not be opened.

Date: Nov. 1st-Nov. 9th from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
7737 Herschel Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-3221
Online: LaJollaDental.com

photo: Little Pearls Kids Dentistry

Dr. Ida Alfonso DMD
Now in their 6th year of hosting their Operation Halloween Candy Buyback program, you can send your treats to the troops in exchange for cash at Dr. Ida Alfonso’s Dental Office.

Date: Nov. 1-15
5814 Van Allen Way #205
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-931-0144
Online: idaalfonsodental.com

The Super Dentists
All locations of The Super Dentists throughout the county from Chula Vista to Oceanside will be buying back Halloween candy. For every pound, one dollar goes to the child’s school and one dollar goes to the child. The Super Dentists have hosted Halloween Candy Buybacks since 2005.

––Nikki Walsh

RELATED STORIES:

Guide to the Best Trick-or-Treating in San Diego

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Baby’s First Electric Toothbrush: ISSA Mikro

by Julie Seguss

Finally, after enduring all of the drooling and crankiness of teething, Baby’s first tooth is here! Now what? If you haven’t started brushing yet, now is the time. Lucky for your little, there’s a brand new toothbrush you’ve gotta have: FOREO’s ISSA mikro.

Why Does Baby Need a Power Toothbrush? 

The ISSA mikra electric toothbrush is designed just for kids ages 0 to 4. And why should a child that young have a power toothbrush? Until you’ve tried it, you might not understand how tough it can be to throughly brush a baby’s teeth. With this brush, you’ll know that every second you can get a brush in his little mouth, this brush is doing the most thorough job possible. The soft silicone bristles and sonic vibrations work together to gently and safely clean your baby’s teeth. And if that’s not enough, the sheer novelty of having a buzzing brush may peak your baby’s interest in dental care, which can sometimes be quite a feat.

Teething Relief

Even before your little one’s first tooth sprouts, he’ll probably love this brush. The sonic power provides gentle vibrations that’ll soothe your little ones gums and the soft material provides relief during teething from the first tooth all the way through those pesky canines and molars.

Talk About Clean

The one-piece design is made from safe silicone that’s BPA-free and phthalate-free. Silicone also happens to be bacteria-resistant and 10,000 times more hygienic than nylon, which typically makes up a toothbrush’s bristles. Makes sense for something you’re sticking in your baby’s mouth a few times a day, right?

Available for pre-order on Indiegogo.com, $89, shipping this month.

Does your baby love or hate getting his teeth brushed? Tell us about your routine in a Comment.

–Julie Seguss

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Too Sweet: Candy Buy-Backs in Every Borough

by rtstephaniepedersen

That hum in the air? It’s the anticipation of every New York City child raring to hit the streets this Halloween. (Fair enough: strangers dole out free candy.) But there’s a dark side: sugar highs, upset stomachs, cavities. Candy buy-backs to the rescue! These cash-for-candy programs conducted by area dentists help you and your child unload some of the haul, with the bonus of providing care packages for eager recipients such as men and women in the military. Read on to see where your little goblin can make a sweet exchange!

photo: via Ruth Hartnup on Flickr creative commons

Brooklyn

Bay Ridge Family Dental: Dr. Souferian and his staff will be buying back unopened candy at $1 per pound. They will be happy to accept up to five pounds. This candy will be sent to our troops serving overseas.

When: Sun., Nov. 2
1 – 4:30 p.m.

Where: 8301 3rd Ave. at the corner of 83rd St.
718-921-0111
Online: brooklynfamilydental.com

Park Slope Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Associates: There is no limit to the amount of candy your little one can bring in to the office Dr. Alan Azrak D.D.S., where kids will receive a toy for every pound they part with. Azrak is committed to the cause: his buy-back program runs for the entire month of November! All candy will be sent to troops serving overseas.

When: Nov. 1 – 30

Where: 131 6th Ave. between Sterling and Park Pl.
718-789-9733
Online: pspdental.net

 

photo: via Jeff Adair on Flickr creative commons

Bronx

Concerned Dental Care of the Bronx: Dr. Fensterstock, D.D.S. of Concerned Dental Care will take as much unopened candy as your little ghoul wants to bring in! He will pay $1 per pound, and sends every participant away with a brand new toothbrush as well. (The office also accepts joint gifts, in case your kiddo’s class wants to pool its stash for a big payday.) Candy collected is brought to girl scouts who make care packages for soldiers overseas as well as shelters for women and the homeless.

When: Nov. 1 – 8

Where: 55 E. Mosholu Pkwy. N.
718-652-7370
Online: concerneddentalcare.com/bronx-ny-dental-office

 

Manhattan 

Bronsky Orthodontics NYC: Bronsky Orthodontics raked in 200 pounds of candy last year, and the office is primed for a monster 2014 buy-back. The practice will be giving $1 for each pound of unopened candy, and will accept up to five pounds of the sweet stuff. You can exchange your candy for cash at either the Upper East side or Tribeca location. All proceeds from the program are sent to military overseas through Operation Gratitude.

When: Nov. 3 – 7

Where:530 Park Ave., #1G
Upper East Side                                                                                                                                                                             212.758.0040

15 Harrison St.
Tribeca
212-219-8660
Online: bronskyorthodontics.com

Perfect Smiles Orthodontics: Kids looking to get the biggest bucks for their Blow Pops should head to Perfect Smiles, where they are offering $3 for every pound of unopened candy brought in the week following Halloween. And, there’s no limit on how much you can bring in.  The office will be sending its candy overseas through Operation Gratitude as well.

When: Nov. 3 – 7

Where: 263 West End Ave., #1A
646-368-1819
Online: orthodontist-ny.com

photo: via slgckgc on Flickr creative commons

Queens

Silverman & Associates will be holding “Operation Candy Buy Back,” and they’re serious. The practice will buy back candy for $1 per pound, up to 10 pounds. Cash in for a whole week at either the Bellmore or Bayside location. All treats go to deployed soldiers.

When: Nov 1-8

Where: 2595 Merrick Rd.
Bellmore
516-781-9700

43-07 214 Pl.
Bayside
718-225-0515
Online: drsilvermanassociates.com

Staten Island

Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino, DDS: Pediatric dentist Dr. Merlino had a stellar buy back last year, and will be opening her doors again this year to accept candy overflow. Her office offers $1 per pound of unopened candy, and works with Operation Gratitude to send the sweets to troops overseas.

When: Nov. 3, 4 & 6; 3-6 p.m.

Where: 268 Todt Hill Rd.
718-761-2090
Online: drmerlino.com

Ideal Smiles Dental: Dr. Kluchman and Dr. Shtarkman have both worked in Veterans hospitals and are dedicated to supporting the troops, so they are especially excited to be conducting a buy-back program this year. The doctors will be giving out $1 per pound of candy exchanged (with a five pound maximum) as well as a goodie bags. All candy will be sent overseas through Operation Gratitude.

When: Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 2955 Veterans Rd. W., #2G
718-227-7400
Online: idealsmilesdental.com

photo: via Rochelle Hartman on Flickr creative commons

Not able to make it to any of these locations? Don’t fret! Here are a few organizations to which you can directly send the goods:

Operation Gratitude: This is the most popular organization for the Halloween buy-back program among the dentists. Click here to learn how you can package and send candy directly on your own.

Any Soldier: This is a unique organization through which you get to choose what to send and to which soldier. Just search the Any Solder database to find servicemen and women who have requested candy, package it up, and send it their way.

Operation Shoebox: This organization has been sending care packages to troops overseas since 2003. Their volunteers ship lots of different items overseas year-round, with candy being the most popular around the holidays, especially Halloween. Click here to learn how you can donate.

Do you know of a great Halloween buy-back program? Let us know about it in the comments below!

—Katie Johnson

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Candy Buy Backs: 22 Spots to Trade Candy for Cash

by Phebe Wahl

Instead of sneaking from your sweetie’s stash to help “manage” their sugar intake, consider putting the extra treats to better use by participating in the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program. This program gives kids the opportunity to trade their candy for cash, and Operation Gratitude the chance to send the treats to our U.S. troops overseas. To help saying sayonara to the sugar a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of Atlanta-area dentists participating in the program.

Intown:

Buckhead Smile Center
Address: 2900 Peachtree Rd. NW Suite 209
Phone: 404-261-0909
Online: smilecenterteam.com

West Paces Family Dentistry
Address: 3193 Howell Mill Rd. NW Suite 230
Phone: 404-351-4000
Online: westpacesfamilydentistry.com

Midtown Smile Center
Address: 999 Peachtree St. NE Suite 700
Phone: 404-537-5224
Online: smilecenterteam.com

A+ Pediatric Dentistry of Atlanta
Address: 4300 Paces Ferry Rd.
Phone: 678-391-7453
Online: atlantakidsmiles.com

The ‘Burbs:

Don Harvey Dental
Address: 3155 North Point Parkway Building E, Suite 230, Alpharetta
Phone: 770-343-6565
Online: www.DonHarveyDental.com

Jones Bridge Dental Care
Address: 11925 Jones Bridge Rd., Alpharetta
Phone: 770-772-0606
Online: JBDentalCare.com

West Cobb Orthodontics
Address: 1690 Stone Village Lane, Suite 910, Kennesaw
Phone: 678-401-4321
Online: www.farrarortho.com

East Cobb Family Dentistry
Address: 2969 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta
Phone: 770-992-2340
Online: eastcobbfamilydentistry.com/

Kool Smiles-GA: Chamblee/Buford Hwy
Address: 4054 Buford Hwy. NE
Phone: 404-963-9584
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles-GA: College Park
Address: 5495 Old National Hwy.
Phone: 404-287-2205
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles-GA: Decatur
Address: 1756 Candler Rd., Decatur
Phone: 404-287-2237
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles-GA: Forest Park
Address: 4458 Jonesboro Rd., Forest Park
Phone: 678-369-8359
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles-Lilburn
Address: 4030 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lilburn
Phone: 678-534-7324
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

Kool Smiles- Smyrna
Address: 2900 S. Cobb Dr., Smyrna
Phone: 678-905-0696
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com/

kksmiles
Address: 1295 Terrell Mill Rd. Ste. 102, Marietta
Phone: 770-952-5200
Online: www.kksmiles.com

Healthy Smiles of Georgia
Address: 295 Rucker Rd. #160, Alpharetta
Phone: 678-762-0690
Online: www.healthysmilesofgeorgia.com

Smile Magic Dentistry
Address: 2880 Old Alabama Rd. Ste 400, Alpharetta
Phone: 678-240-2777
Online: www.smilemagicga.com

Pediatric Dentistry at Vinings
Address: 3200 Highlands Pkwy., Smyrna
Phone: 678-305-1090
Online: www.pediatricdentistryatvinings.com

Shallowford Creek Family Dentistry
Address: 3960 Shallowford Rd., Marietta
Phone: 770-993-6893
Online: www.shallowfordcreekfd.com

Kool Smiles – SW Atlanta
Address: 5495 Old National Hwy.
Phone: 404-223-5665
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com

Kool Smiles – Candler
Address: 1756 Candler Rd., Decatur
Phone: 404-591-5665
Online: www.mykoolsmiles.com

Jones Bridge Dental Care
Address: 11925 Jones Bridge Rd., Alpharetta
Phone: 770-772-0606
Online: www.JBDentalCare.com

What will you do with your leftover Halloween candy? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Halloween Candy Buy Back Program via Facebook

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San Francisco Totally Awesome Awards 2013 Winners & Celebrations

by Jacqui Boland

San Francisco Bay Area parents picked their favorite family-friendly businesses for Red Tricycle’s 2013 Totally Awesome Awards!  Over 236,777 votes were cast and the results are in with all of the Totally Awesome winners listed below.

All of us at Red Tricycle want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the winners, finalists and especially, to everyone who took the time to nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses. Without further ado, here are your 2013 Totally Awesome Award Winners:

Art Classes for Kids: StickyArt Lab!
Baby & Maternity Shops: Carmel Blue
Camps for Kids: Monkey Business Camp
Childcare Agencies & Resources: The Help Company
Cupcake, Bakery & Sweet Shops: Teeny Cake
Drop-Off Childcare Programs: Peekadoodle Kidsclub
Family & Pediatric Dentists: Children’s Choice Pediatric Dental Care
Family Camping Sites: Jellystone
Family Escapes & Getaways: Baker Beach at the Presidio
Family Hiking Trails: Hidden Villa
Family Photographers: Niall David Photography
Family Restaurants & Cafes: Mozzeria
Groups for Moms & Dads: Blossom Birth
Ice-Cream & Froyo Shops: Easy Breezy Frozen Yogurt
Indoor Playspaces: The Duck Pond
Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops: Hive, The Place to Bee
Kids Birthday Party Spots: The Buddy Club Children’s Shows
Kids Clothing & Gear Stores: Mabuhay Kids
Kids Consignment & Resale Shops: Bird in the Nest
Kids Dance & Theater Classes: Suzanne’s Dance School
Kids Language Classes: Let’s Play in Spanish
Kids Music Classes: Mini Music
Kids Sports Classes: SoccerTots
Midwives & Doulas: Divine Journey 
Mom Fitness Programs: Bloom Retreat
Mom-Run Businesses: Fresh Baby Bites
Museums: Lawrence Hall of Science
Parent Education Programs: Parents Place
Parks & Playgrounds: Adventure Playground
Schools & Preschool Programs: The Mountain School
Toy & Book Stores: Mr. Mopps’

To celebrate the winners, finalists, and the great Bay Area community, we also threw a #totallyawesomeparty at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. The party was so fun and we loved meeting all of the Totally Awesome Awards finalists and winners.

Wondering who is behind your favorite business and services? Click through our photo gallery to find out. Photo credit goes to the Most Awesome Family Photographer Niall David Photography!

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