Local children gave up massive amounts of candy after Halloween, and their teeth are thankful for it.

At least two local dentists held candy buy-back events this year, paying $1 per pound for children's trick-or-treat bounty.

The candy is then shipped to troops serving overseas.

Lima Road Dentistry, 9019 Lima Road, recorded 143 pounds of candy, Dr. Hal Atkinson said. That figure is up a bit from the 139 pounds the office purchased last year, but still down considerably from the 309 pounds two years ago in the office's first event.

The office of Dr. Steven P. Ellinwood, 5725 Maplecrest Road, has brought in just over 50 pounds, though final figures won't be available until Monday, office manager Terri Bock said. That figure is well above the 25-30 pounds the office collected a year ago.

The buy-backs are opportunities to promote good dental health for a good cause.

“It's a good thing,” said Atkinson. “I'm sure they're picking out the candy they really love, but I'm sure when we send it off to Iraq and Afghanistan, the people there will like some of the stuff.”

Atkinson said Lima Road Dentistry takes suggestions on where to ship the candy, and the office is still taking suggestions.

Ellinwood's office traditionally ships their candy to the Fort Wayne-based 122nd Air National Guard for shipment to soldiers serving overseas.