Now that the weather is chillier and the brilliant lights are popping up around the neighborhood, you know the holidays are upon us. One of the biggest highlights of the festive season is watching your loved ones open up their presents or sort through their stockings for goodies. While sugary treats and candy are often the popular items to gift someone, they can be detrimental to oral health. To preserve their pearly whites, here are three exciting smile-friendly gift ideas you should consider for stocking stuffers!
A Fancy Toothbrush
Did you know that dental professionals recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months? However, instead of getting your loved one a regular toothbrush, consider gifting them a more fanciful product. If it’s for a child, try getting them one with their favorite character or superhero on it, or one that plays music while they brush for extra points. For adults, you may want to buy them an electric toothbrush which is both exciting and provides extra scrubbing power for better oral health.
Exciting Dental Products
Children are sometimes reluctant to use dental tools because of their minty flavor. The good news is that these aren’t the only kinds of products out there. Consider buying products like fun-flavored toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss to help encourage your child to clean their smile more frequently. Some of these flavors include fruit punch and bubblegum, which can make practicing good oral hygiene a more exciting experience. Make sure the products you buy are fluoridated and have the ADA Seal of Approval.
Nutritious Snacks
Do you typically pack stockings full of candies like lollipops, chocolates, and gummies? While these are enjoyable and tasty, overindulging in them with no other variety of foods can wreak havoc on a person’s smile. Try adding other healthier alternatives as snacks. These may include simple treats like nuts, raisins, pretzels, and even sugar-free gum that are delicious and nutritional.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile Year-Round
Stuffing your loved one’s stockings with these kinds of gifts will help promote better oral health. However, you’ll want to also encourage your little ones to clean their teeth and gums properly. Here are several essential tips for preserving their pearly whites:
- Brushing at least two full minutes twice a day.
- Flossing at least once daily or after every meal.
- Rinsing with mouthwash often (as long as they’re older than six and won’t accidentally swallow it).
- Visiting the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
Even if the holiday season has arrived, you don’t have to let your loved one’s oral health slide. Keep these stocking stuffer ideas in mind, and you can set them up for a life of strong and healthy teeth in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. J. Peter St. Clair received his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has well over two decades of experience under his belt. He’s also a member of numerous prominent organizations like the Massachusetts Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry. He offers a wide variety of high-quality services, including checkups/cleanings, gum disease therapy, and oral cancer screenings. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 978-465-5358.