November has arrived, ushering in the holiday season for families across the country. It’s the perfect time to plan your travel itinerary or purchase gifts for your loved ones. If you have children at home, you may already be looking for exciting and interesting new items to include in their stockings this year.
Although mints, chocolates, candy canes, and other sweet treats are popular choices, you don’t want to give them so much sugar that they develop cavities in the new year. Fortunately, your pediatric dentist has some creative ideas for smile-friendly items you can include instead! Continue reading to learn more about three stocking stuffers that can support your child’s dental health!
Item #1: A Fun Toothbrush
Did you know the American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every three to four months? After months of daily usage, they gather plenty of bacteria, and the bristles can be worn down or bent out of shape. That means there’s never a ‘bad’ time to give your kid another toothbrush.
If you’re worried you won’t find anything cute or whimsical enough to include in their stocking, you can set your concerns aside. Children’s toothbrushes come in various sizes and colors, and many feature characters from your little one’s favorite movies and shows. With so many available options, you’ll surely find something they’ll appreciate!
Item #2: Sugar-Free Treats
Many families hang candy canes on their yule trees or tuck them into gifts for children. While this may satisfy your little one’s sweet tooth, it won’t do anything to protect it. For starters, the sugar content attracts harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, because it takes a while to dissolve the candy in their mouth, their teeth and gums are exposed to the harmful ingredients for more extended periods. You might think that biting into it to eat it more quickly would be beneficial, but doing so could chip or crack your child’s teeth.
Thankfully, sugar-free choices are available that taste good but won’t cause oral issues. For example, you can stash some sugar-free gum in the toe of their stocking or pick up a package of candy canes with more wholesome sweeteners.
Item #3: Books
Edible goodies aren’t the only types of gifts that can bring joy this holiday season. Your kid likely will be out of school for winter break and looking for things to do, so why not give them books this year? If they’re too young to read, there are plenty of precious picture books about the tooth fairy, visiting the dentist, or brushing and flossing they might find helpful.
This year, you can teach your child the value of maintaining a happy smile by including gifts encouraging healthy dental hygiene habits!
About the Author
Dr. Lily is a board-certified pediatric dentist passionate about helping children build and maintain strong teeth and gums. She earned her dental doctorate from the Western University of Health Sciences and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry certification at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn. Shortly after, she achieved her pediatric certification at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Today, she provides a wide array of services to guide still-developing smiles. If you’re worried your child has developed a cavity, you can request an appointment on the website or call (469) 925-0861.