It’s that magical time of the year! Family festivities, delicious meals, and exchanging presents are abundant during the holiday season. As you make your list of gifts to buy for your loved ones, you can include ones that are also good for their oral health! Read on for three stocking stuffer gifts that are sure to bring healthy smiles all year long.
#1. An Exciting Toothbrush
You may think that “exciting” and “toothbrush” don’t go together! As with most current things, even the products made to brush your teeth have become fun and creative, while still being effective! There are endless toothbrush options for kids and adults alike. For children, you can buy one with their favorite animated character on it and even one that plays music! An engaging toothbrush will make them look forward to brushing every morning and evening. In addition, electric toothbrushes are an excellent choice due to their ease of use, as well as being proven to be more effective at keeping plaque and bacteria at bay.
#2. Fun Dental Products
As with toothbrushes, there are so many awesome dental products available now! Children can be reluctant to use oral hygiene products due to basic flavors like mint. As a tasty replacement, you can give them fun-flavored floss, mouthwash, and toothpaste to help them stick to their daily dental routine. There are a variety of delicious flavors to choose from, like bubblegum and fruit punch. Be mindful to buy items that are fluoridated and have an ADA Seal of Approval.
#3. Smile-Friendly Snacks
The holidays are so full of special treats like candy and packaged goods that it becomes convenient to use them as little presents in stockings. But healthy options are a great alternative when keeping your loved ones’ oral health in mind. You can toss in nutritious (but delicious!) snacks such as more expensive nuts like macadamia, gourmet pretzels, or sugar-free gum.
How to Maintain a Healthy Smile Year-Round
While tooth-friendly gifts are wonderful, nothing replaces a consistent dental routine throughout the whole year. Make it a priority for you and your family to:
- Brush – The most essential part of maintaining healthy teeth is brushing twice daily for at least two minutes.
- Floss – Cleaning food particles from between your teeth with floss (at least once a day) decreases the risk of the buildup of the plaque that leads to cavities. Once your child turns two years old, you can help them implement flossing in their routine.
While you are making looking for stocking stuffers, remember the ones that are great for the oral health of your friends and family. The gift of a healthy, bright smile is one that can last all throughout the year!
About the Author
Dr. Grant Ringler and his team serve the families of Hutchinson and the surrounding areas. He graduated from the college of dentistry at the University of Nebraska and has over 35 years of experience. By providing a wide range of dental services, from preventive to cosmetic, he helps you and your family achieve the healthiest, most beautiful smiles all year long! To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (620) 708-4045.