The temperature is dropping, the days are getting shorter, and shelves at every store are filled with holiday decorations. It’s official – Christmas is right around the corner! As a parent, you’re likely excited to watch your children sort through the goodies in their stockings. While it’s easy to fill them with candy and other sweet treats, they can wreak havoc on your little one’s smile. Fortunately, we’ve got some tooth-friendly ideas that every kid will love. Read on to learn more!
Stocking Stuffer Ideas
A healthy smile should be a priority all year-round. If you’re looking for smile-friendly stocking stuffer ideas, here are a few to consider:
Toothbrush
Believe it or not, Christmas is a great time to gift your child a fun toothbrush! You shouldn’t have any problem finding one in stores. These days, it seems like there are an endless number of options to choose from. You can purchase one that has their favorite character on it, plays music, or even something in between. If possible, choose an electric toothbrush! They’re fun and have proven to be more effective at helping children properly brush their teeth.
Fun Oral Hygiene Products
Lots of children hate using minty dental products. It’s one of the main reasons why they’re reluctant to use them, causing them to neglect their oral health. If that’s the case with your kids, you should consider buying tasty toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. You can choose from flavors like bubblegum and fruit punch, which will make your children excited to clean their teeth! Be sure to use items that contain fluoride and have an ADA Seal of Approval.
Healthy Snacks
It’s easy to throw chocolate, hard candy, and gummies into your child’s Christmas stocking and be done with it. However, these treats can increase your little one’s risk of cavities. While they’re okay to consume in moderation, you should add more variety by including some healthy snacks. Pretzels, raisins, nuts, and sugar-free gum aren’t just tasty – they promote good oral health!
How Your Child Can Maintain a Healthy Smile
All children need to learn how to take proper care of their teeth and gums. Let’s take a closer look at what your child’s oral hygiene routine should look like:
- Brushing: Make sure your little one brushes their teeth for at least two minutes every morning and night. If they have a toothbrush that plays music, they should brush until the song ends.
- Flossing: Children should start flossing at around two years old. Keep in mind that younger kids will need help in the beginning.
- Mouthwash: When your child reaches six years of age, they can start rinsing with a tasty mouthwash to clear their mouth of unwanted bacteria and debris.
This holiday season, choose some tooth-friendly stocking stuffers for your little ones. It’ll help them stay cavity-free this holiday season!
About the Practice
At Healthy Kids Dentistry, we’re focused on providing dental care that’s fun, comfortable, and personalized to each growing smile. Our team is passionate about educating children to help them maintain a beautiful grin that lasts a lifetime. For more tooth-friendly stocking stuffer ideas, visit our website or call (301) 871-8880.