Are you trying to think of good ideas for smaller holiday gifts? A lot of people fill their family’s stockings with candy canes and other sweet treats, but this can be less than ideal for everyone’s oral health. Fortunately, your dentist has some more smile-friendly gift ideas that can be worth considering. Below are 4 dental stocking stuffers that can leave your loved ones grinning on Christmas morning.
1. New Toothbrushes
Most dentists recommend switching toothbrushes every three to four months, so why not take the opportunity to get some new ones for your family? If you have young children, you can search for toothbrushes that feature their favorite characters. Meanwhile, older family members may appreciate getting electric toothbrushes, which are often better at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. Try looking for an electric toothbrush that comes with useful features, such as a timer.
2. Sugar-Free Gum
If your loved one has a sweet tooth, sugar-free gum can be a great treat that won’t cause problems for their smile. In fact, it could actually prove beneficial for oral health; chewing sugar-free gum encourages the mouth to produce more saliva that can wash away food particles and harmful oral bacteria. On top of that, sugar-free gum is often sweetened with xylitol, which has properties that can lower the risk of tooth decay.
3. Floss Picks
Does anyone in your family tend to have trouble flossing the normal way? If so, they may appreciate getting a bag of floss picks in their stocking. A floss pick is a plastic object that has a small piece of dental floss attached. This simple device can make it much easier to floss the particularly hard-to-reach spots in the mouth. Because of this, floss picks can be an especially good choice for younger children who have difficulty using traditional dental floss.
4. A Dental Hygiene Kit
If one of your loved ones is trying to improve their oral health habits, you can show your support by gifting them with a dental hygiene kit. You can fill said kit with all kinds of useful items, such as:
- A small mirror that can be used to check for food between the teeth.
- A travel-sized toothbrush along with travel-sized toothpaste.
- Flavored dental floss.
- A small bottle of mouthwash.
- Lip balm for soothing dry lips
By choosing smile-friendly stocking stuffers, you can help your loved ones maintain the right oral health habits in the upcoming year. Think carefully about gifts you can give that would have your dentist’s seal of approval!
About the Author
Dr. Rhiannon B. Presley has practiced dentistry in different areas of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. She is a member of the Texas Association of Women Dentists as well as the Fort Worth District Dental Society. She welcomes patients of all ages, and she’s happy to provide comprehensive dental care for your entire family. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Presley at Bonds Ranch Family Dentistry in Fort Worth, visit her website or call (817) 242-5564.