While it’s common for Christmas stockings to be filled with all kinds of sugary candies and treats, we’ve got some new recommendations for Santa this year! In addition to all the fun and joy Christmas brings, why not also give your family the gift of a healthy and beautiful smile? Here are five stocking stuffer ideas that we love and that your mouth will love too.
- A new toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
Not only is a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss the perfect stocking-stuffer size, but they can be fun, too. Try finding a toothbrush with your kids’ favorite superhero on it or even one that plays a song while they brush. Toothpaste and floss made just for kids comes in a variety of flavors such as grape, strawberry, and even bubblegum. Not only will your kids be excited to receive these fun dental accessories, but they will help motivate your kids to practice good dental hygiene, like remembering to brush twice a day and floss once a day.
- Tooth fairy pillow
If you have a young child who is starting to lose baby teeth, a tooth fairy pillow can be a great stocking stuffer. Sometimes children get nervous about losing teeth, and this can be a great way to get them excited about this natural and healthy process.
- Books
Have a child who is nervous about going to the dentist or doesn’t like brushing his or her teeth? Consider putting a couple of books in this year’s stocking. There are some great children’s books that encourage good oral hygiene and ease fears about going to the dentist. While there are too many to list, our three favorites are Dr. Seuss’s The Tooth Book, The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain, and The Night Before the Dentist by Natasha Wing.
- Travel gear
Are you traveling this holiday season? Another great dental stocking stuffer could be a travel toothbrush and toothpaste. Also consider adding disposable flossers to encourage your children to continue flossing every day even when traveling.
- Teeth-friendly snacks
This Christmas, consider replacing cavity-causing sweets with mouth-friendly treats. Sugary and chewy candies wreak havoc on your children’s’ teeth by wearing away tooth enamel and making them vulnerable to cavities. Skip the candy this year and instead fill the stockings with fruits like apples and clementines, as well as healthy snacks like trail mix and popcorn. Sugar-free gum is also a great stocking stuffer treat because it encourages saliva production and helps clean your teeth after a meal.
We hope this list of recommendations gives you some ways to encourage your children to practice good oral hygiene this holiday season. Forming the habit of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, eating healthy foods, and visiting the dentist twice a year for a checkup will set your children up for success for the future. If you are looking for a dentist for you or your family, we would love to help you at Cornerstone Family Dentistry, so make an appointment with us today.
And from all of us at Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we wish you a very merry Christmas!