Now that the holidays are finally here, you are probably spending time stringing lights around your home, putting on your favorite holiday movies, and listening to festive music. However, with so many holiday treats sitting around, the last thing that your children need are a bunch of sugary stocking stuffers. Here are some tooth-friendly stocking stuffer suggestions that won’t leave your child with a mouthful of cavities in the new year.
New Toothbrushes
This may just be the worst time of year for your child’s teeth. With hot chocolate, candy canes, and baked goods all over the place, it can be difficult to resist, especially for children. That’s why there’s no better time than now to pick out some new toothbrushes for the family. This way, they can remove all of those harmful food particles, plaque, and bacteria that are wreaking havoc in their mouths. Look for children’s toothbrushes in different colors, feature popular cartoon characters, or even ones that play throughout brushing duration.
Yummy Dental Products
While you may prefer that fresh peppermint flavor that your toothpaste and mouthwash provide, minty flavors may be a bit too strong for children. Fortunately, there is a wide array of flavors out there so children can have a more tolerable time when brushing. Look for flavors like bubblegum, strawberry, or orange. Just be sure that it contains fluoride. This is a mineral present in many dental products that help to prevent cavities. You can even find alcohol-free, fun flavored mouthwash for kids to use under parental supervision. Just remember that children under the age of six shouldn’t be using mouthwash quite yet.
Sugarless Treats
There are sweets out there that don’t contain sugar, and they are much better for oral health. Look for some sugar-free gum or lollipops so your child can satisfy their sweet tooth without putting their oral health at risk.
Healthy Snacks
A bag of chips may seem like the easiest option, but these starchy snacks are harmful for teeth. Instead, pick out some delicious, tooth-healthy snacks, like salted nuts, string cheese, sliced apples, or yogurt. They are all delicious and great for teeth!
Don’t let your child’s oral health be neglected this holiday season! By using some of these tooth-friendly stocking stuffers about, they will be able to work towards and maintain a healthy smile. Who doesn’t want to start out the new year cavity-free?
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He attended the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, where he completed the Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum Level II. Currently, he’s a proud Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and has completed over 1600 hours of advanced training. For more ways to keep your child’s smile healthy or to schedule an appointment for your child at his office in Lawrenceville, visit his website or call (770) 995-7616.