How Winter Illnesses Affect Tooth Health
It's everyone's least favorite part about this time of year. No, not the cold weather; we're talking about the cold season. As the temperatures drop and the winter season sets...
The holiday season is full of cookies, cakes, and goodies galore, so you may be wondering how to get your family equally excited about taking proper care of their teeth. Help make dental hygiene fun again by filling your stockings with these ten tooth-friendly stocking stuffers that are sure to make everyone in your family smile on Christmas morning.
A New Toothbrush
A brand new toothbrush is one stocking stuffer that everyone likes to see on Christmas morning. When shopping down the toothbrush aisle, select one that will get each person in your family excited about brushing their teeth and into the holiday spirit. Rather than a traditional pink or blue, opt for a unique option. There are many different options, from their favorite characters to a toothbrush that lights up and plays music while they clean their teeth. Always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with the appropriately sized head for smaller mouths.
Funky-Flavored Toothpaste
Kids aren’t always enthusiastic over the minty-fresh flavor of toothpaste. Look for exciting new flavors for their dental stocking stuffers. Toothpaste now comes in a variety of flavors, including watermelon, citrus, cinnamon, ginger, strawberry, and more! Change up the toothpaste flavor daily, or even weekly, to give your kids something to look forward to when brushing their teeth. When it comes to kids, a little extra motivation can go a long way towards encouraging healthy habits.
Flossers
Getting your family excited about dental floss can be challenging. After all, having the coordination to use dental floss properly can be difficult for even some adults. A bag of flossers is the perfect stocking stuffer to encourage flossing with a fun and easy-to-use tool for everyone in the family.
Chewing Gum With Xylitol
Chewing sugar-free Xylitol gum can help in the production of saliva, which washes away trapped food particles from your teeth. Gum containing Xylitol has been proven to help reduce cavities, making it a must-have stocking stuffer for the entire family.
A Tooth Timer
If brushing for a full two minutes is a challenge for your younger kids and teens, consider getting a small timer to keep in the bathroom. Cleaning for a full two minutes can seem like a long time when the concept of time is still a work-in-progress. A tooth timer can ensure your children are brushing for long enough and will make brushing into a game.
Tooth-Themed Picture Books
Reading is essential for the development of any child, so why not encourage your child to keep up good habits with a dentist-related children’s book? You can choose from titles that educate children on proper oral hygiene habits or find a book that teaches them about their overall health.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is a well-known superfood for your teeth. While it should still be enjoyed in moderation, dark chocolate is far better for your teeth than other candy options that are sticky, gooey, or chewy.
A Mouthguard
If your teen plays sports, consider getting a mouthguard for Christmas, so their teeth are adequately protected. Even if they already have one, a new color or style can get kids excited about staying in the habit of wearing one.
Lip Balm
The ideal gift that can be used by anyone regardless of age, lip balm makes for the perfect stocking stuffer. During winter, our lips are one part of our body that is always exposed to the cold weather, so it’s vital to maintain their moisture.
At-Home Whitening Strips
While the packaging is small enough to fit into a stocking, at-home tooth whitening strips are the perfect way to whiten and brighten a loved one’s smile effectively. Whitening products are not recommended for children under the age of 16, so keep this tip in mind.
Don’t Forget To Schedule Post-Holiday Exams For Everyone
Gifting everyone in your family the gift of good oral hygiene for the new year is the gift that truly keeps on giving. These colorful, lively gifts will make excellent stocking stuffers in addition to making routine habits like brushing and flossing seem much more fun. After the holiday season is finished, be sure to schedule your first dental exams of 2020 with Aubrey Baudean DDS.
