It’s always gratifying for parents to watch their children discover all the goodies that have been left in their stockings on Christmas morning. If you need a few last-minute ideas for stocking stuffers, you may want to consider gifts that will help your child take better care of their teeth. Below are 4 present suggestions that your little one’s dentist might make.
1. A Brand-New Toothbrush
Finding a toothbrush in your stocking can make it feel a little bit more special. There are all kinds of toothbrushes on the market, so take the time to find one that will help get your child excited about their oral hygiene routine. A brush featuring one of their favorite characters is always a fun option. For older children, you might also consider picking up an electric toothbrush that makes it easier for them to get rid of plaque.
2. A Different Flavor of Toothpaste
If your child isn’t the biggest fan of mint-flavored toothpaste, why not try changing things up for them? Many brands of toothpaste come in different flavors such as bubblegum and fruit. Look for a fun flavor that will give them more than one reason to smile on Christmas morning.
Just remember that not all kinds of toothpaste are as effective at protecting the teeth. For the sake of your child’s oral health, make sure that the toothpaste you get has been approved by the ADA. Ideally, it should contain fluoride, an essential ingredient for making your child’s teeth more resistant to decay.
3. Sugar-Free Gum
Your child is probably expecting to find a sweet treat in their stocking, but that doesn’t have to mean something high in sugar. Instead, give them some sugar-free gum that has been sweetened with xylitol. The properties of xylitol allow it to interfere with plaque buildup, thus lowering your child’s risk for cavities. Furthermore, chewing gum encourages the production of saliva, which helps keep the teeth and gums clean between brushing sessions.
4. Nuts
Almonds, cashews, and other kinds of nuts can be excellent choices if you’re looking for a tooth-friendly snack to leave in your child’s stocking. For one thing, most nuts are low in carbohydrates, meaning they’re unlikely to lead to tooth decay or gum disease. For another, chewing on nuts can help remove any bacteria deposits that might be clinging to the teeth. And of course, there’s the fact that many nuts contain nutrients that promote oral health. Peanuts, for instance, are high in calcium and vitamin D.
The above gift ideas will help put your child on the road to enjoying a beautiful, healthy smile well into the New Year. Don’t forget to reach out to your dentist to see if they have any suggestions for smile-friendly presents.
About the Practice
At Collinsville Dental Associates, we have been bringing local families comfortable, comprehensive dentistry for over 30 years. We give our patients the one-on-one attention that they deserve, and we utilize state-of-the-art technology that you would expect to find in a big city dental office. To schedule a post-holiday appointment for your child at Collinsville Dental Associates, visit our website or call (276) 647-1494.