One of the best parts of Christmas is seeing your child’s face light up with excitement when they open their presents. If you have concerns about your little one’s oral health, you may want to make sure that there are a few smile-friendly goodies mixed in with their gifts this year. In the following post, you’ll find 5 stocking stuffer ideas that your child’s dentist might suggest.
1. A Fun New Toothbrush
One way to get your child excited about taking care of their smile is to get them a special toothbrush for Christmas. There are all kinds of fun options you can choose from; you can get them a toothbrush that has their favorite character on it, or you can look for one that plays music while they clean their teeth.
2. Tasty Toothpaste
If your child isn’t fond of minty toothpaste, try looking for a flavor that they do like. There are plenty of kinds of toothpaste out there that taste like fruit or bubblegum, and others are simply made to have a generally sweet flavor. Of course, you don’t want to focus too much on taste and forget about quality; make sure that you get your child toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA Seal of Approval.
3. Colorful, Easy-to-Use Flossers
It can be hard to get your child used to flossing every day, especially if they have trouble using traditional dental floss. A flosser – which is a small piece of plastic with a short piece of floss on the end – is often much easier to use and can go a long way toward making the habit more enjoyable for your little one. See if you can find any child-friendly flossers that come in bright colors and unique shapes.
4. Sugar-Free Gum
Do you want to get your child a sweet treat for Christmas but are worried about what too much sugar could do to their teeth? Sugar-free gum can be a great alternative. Chewing on it boosts saliva production, which helps keep your child’s mouth clean between meals. Look for sugar-free gum that has been sweetened with xylitol, which can inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria that can cause cavities.
5. Healthy Snacks
It’s okay to let your child indulge in a few sweet treats during the holiday season, but you’ll want to balance that out with snacks that have a more positive impact on their oral health. Nuts can be a particularly good choice, as they contain nutrients that are beneficial for the teeth and gums; for example, peanuts are high in calcium and vitamin D.
With the gift ideas listed above, you can give your child plenty to smile about on Christmas morning while also making sure they’ll continue to enjoy healthy teeth well into the new year.
About the Author
Dr. Shue Her earned his doctorate at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He has completed advanced training for a variety of dental treatments so that he can bring his patients truly comprehensive care. At his practice, Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, he is happy to offer preventive checkups and cleanings for adults and children alike. If you’d like to schedule a holiday appointment for your little one, you can reach out to Dr. Her through his website or by calling (770) 536-6688.