The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that smiles soon would be there! If you’ve been looking for smile-friendly stocking stuffers for everyone in your family, look no further. While you’re enjoying your treats and gifts galore, you can fill each stocking with dental goodies that will delight and excite.
If you’re having a hard time thinking of these types of gifts, continue reading. You’ll find a dentist-approved list!
1. Smile-Friendly Snack Packs
Nourish smiles with snack packs containing tooth-friendly options like nuts, cheese, or dried fruits. These alternatives to sugary treats keep well and provide nutrients that can sometimes be lost in the hubbub of the holidays. Cheese is also a great tooth-insulator that will keep smiles safe from the effects of sugar for a short time.
2. Sugar Free Gum and Mints
If fruit, nuts, and cheese just won’t cut it with your family, there are sugar-free candy options available. Slip a pack of sugar-free gum and a few mints in each of your family’s stockings and make sure they have xylitol! Not only will these treats help strengthen and clean teeth, but the mints will freshen breath.
3. An Electric Toothbrush
If the prospect of handing out a normal toothbrush isn’t appealing, you could opt for an electric variant. Electric toothbrushes are great for all ages as they eliminate excessive movements that may prove difficult for children or older people with arthritis. Electric toothbrushes have also been proven to increase focus on the task of brushing in people with ADHD or Autism.
4. Smile-Friendly Water Flosser
If you know a family member has trouble flossing, this gift could be a game-changer. For people with braces, crooked teeth, or who have trouble using floss, a water flosser can finally enable them to get into the habit. These machines use a small, concentrated stream of water to remove plaque from teeth, even in hard-to-reach places.
5. Travel-Sized Dental Care Kits
If you know your family plans on taking a trip, making a special kit for everyone will show your thoughtfulness. Get small carrying cases and put a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouth rinse in each one.
For kids, try to include characters or subjects they like such as dinosaurs or Superman. Fun-flavored toothpastes can also make this gift seem more like a treat than a necessity.
These five gifts could add a little smile-friendly fun to every stocking! It’s not easy being responsible for your family’s oral health. However, with this guide and a little creativity, you might just give them the gift of a great smile this holiday season.
About the Practice
Dr. Eric L. Townsend and Dr. Kristopher R. Harth are your talented and knowledgeable dentists at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry. The holidays are a whirlwind, but they are ready to help you with your smile goals before all your time is focused on treats and tinsel. Their customized treatment plans utilize the latest dental technology and techniques for your comfort and your time. Call (904) 285-7711 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to see the services they offer.