People love giving their kids presents during the holiday season, and it’s not a bad idea to slip a few items that promote good health in between the toys and candy. Hanging a stocking over the fireplace so it can be filled with small gifts is an old holiday tradition, and a stocking has plenty of room for dental hygiene products and some tasty but healthy snacks. Here are a few stocking stuffer ideas that will have your child’s smile shining bright.
A Brand-New Toothbrush
Teeth brushing is a crucial part of dental health care, so a toothbrush can be a great gift to leave in your child’s sock. Many toothbrushes come printed with images of popular cartoon characters that can help your child enjoy brushing their teeth in the morning and evening. You might even consider upgrading your child’s toothbrush to one that can play music or an electric model. Some children might enjoy brushing with toothpaste that is flavored like fruit and bubblegum, but it’s important that they understand not to swallow it.
Teeth-Friendly Tasty Treats
Teeth-friendly snacks can be a great addition to your child’s holiday haul. You might try dentist-approved breath mints or even sugar-free gum. Dentists actually recommend chewing sugar-free gum after meals to promote saliva flow and help remove food debris from the teeth.
You can also include all-natural snacks that are great for your child’s smile. One example is raisins, which naturally have a high fluoride content and can be a tasty, sweet treat. However, they can be sticky, so make sure your children know to clean them away from their teeth after eating them. Nuts can be a crunchy snack that is rich in the protein your child’s teeth and gums need to stay healthy. These both make excellent stocking stuffers for promoting dental health.
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to celebrate your family being together. While it’s fun to indulge your children a bit, it’s also important to make sure their teeth stay healthy and strong for the new year and beyond. By giving your child a few smile-friendly gifts this year, you can help them maintain a healthy smile for life.
About the Practice
Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers the best dental care available to infants, teenagers, and everyone in between in Garland, TX. Led by Dr. Lily Hoang, the staff provides children with the education and treatments they need to achieve healthy smiles for life. Areas of expertise include pediatric general and emergency dentistry as well as services like fluoride treatments, dental sedation, and children’s dental crowns. For more information about keeping your child’s teeth healthy during the holidays, contact the office online or dial (469) 925-0861.