With Christmas growing closer, you’re likely trying to figure out the best way you can fill up your child’s stocking. While sweet treats such as candy canes are always a popular option, they obviously aren’t the best choice if you want to protect your little one’s smile. This year, why not pick up some stocking stuffers that are beneficial for your child’s oral health? Below is a brief look at 4 smile-friendly gift ideas that are worth considering.
1. A New Toothbrush
If you’re trying to get your child excited about brushing their teeth, one way to do it is to give them a fun toothbrush for Christmas. There are all kinds of toothbrushes you can choose from depending on your child’s age and needs. For example, if you have a younger child, you can search for a toothbrush that features one of their favorite characters. Meanwhile, an older child will likely be happy to get an electric toothbrush that makes brushing easier for them.
2. Sugar-Free Gum
Looking for a sweet treat that your child can enjoy on Christmas morning without putting their oral health at risk? Sugar-free gum that has been sweetened with xylitol can often be an excellent option. When your child chews on sugar-free gum, it stimulates the production of saliva. This helps wash away the food particles and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay, thus keeping your little one’s smile clean and healthy.
3. Flavored Toothpaste
Is your child not a fan of the minty taste that dental products often have? If so, they may appreciate finding some fun-flavored toothpaste in their stocking. From strawberry to watermelon to bubblegum, there are all kinds of flavors to choose from; take the time to explore your options so that you can pick one that your child will love.
Of course, no matter what kind of flavored toothpaste you get for your child, you should make sure that it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal signifies that the toothpaste contains fluoride and other ingredients essential for protecting dental health.
4. Floss Picks
If your child often struggles when using traditional dental floss, a pack of floss picks could be an excellent gift for them. A floss pick – which is a small plastic item with a piece of dental floss at the end – can be used to easily clean the spaces between your child’s teeth. Be sure to take the time to show your child how to use a floss pick properly so that they can clean their smile as thoroughly as they need to.
With the gift ideas above, you can give your child plenty of reasons to smile on Christmas morning while also doing your part to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums in the coming year.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Shaffer earned his dental degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He has made a point of keeping up with his continuing education classes so that he can keep bringing his patients the advanced dental care that they deserve. He welcomes patients of all ages, and he offers various child-friendly dental services, including fluoride treatments and tooth-colored fillings. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist you can bring your child to during the holiday season, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaffer at South Ridge Dental in Lincoln by visiting his website or calling (402) 423-1616.