Christmas is once again approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking of stocking stuffers for your child. Candy is always a popular option, but of course, it can be less than ideal for your little one’s oral health. Luckily, there are plenty of smile-friendly gifts that are worth considering. Below are three stocking stuffer ideas for your child that their pediatric dentist would approve of.
1. A Fun New Toothbrush
One way to encourage your child to develop the right oral hygiene habits is to get them a toothbrush they love. There are plenty of toothbrushes that can help make brushing time fun. Some may feature your child’s favorite characters; others play music while in use. Take the time to explore options and pick a toothbrush that will give your child plenty of reasons to smile.
2. Flavored Dental Hygiene Products
Would your child enjoy something other than mint-flavored toothpaste? If so, they may be pleased to find an alternative in their stocking. Look for toothpastes that comes in bubblegum, fruit, and other fun flavors. There’s also flavored dental floss and mouthwash that can go a long way toward making oral hygiene more enjoyable for your child.
Of course, when buying any sort of new dental product, you should check to make sure that it has been approved by the ADA. If you’re not sure that a certain type of dental hygiene product is right for your child, talk to their pediatric dentist to see what they recommend.
3. Snacks That are Good for Teeth and Gums
It’s okay for your child to have a sweet treat every once in a while, but it’s important to make sure they’re getting plenty of foods that promote oral health as well. As such, it may be a good idea to put a few smile-friendly snacks in your child’s stocking, such as:
- Nuts and seeds, which contain calcium which can help strengthen teeth.
- Cheese and beef jerky, which contain protein to help overall growth.
- Chewing gum with Xylitol, which encourages the mouth to produce more saliva (which is important for keeping the teeth clean).
The gift ideas above can go a long way toward making sure your child heads into the new year with a healthy smile. Remember, you can always talk to your pediatric dentist to see if they have any other suggestions for gifts that can be beneficial for your little one’s teeth.
About the Practice
At Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry, we have three board-certified pediatric dentists with more than 40 years of combined experience. We offer a wide range of services in order to meet the dental needs of children throughout Bastrop and surrounding areas. If you would like to schedule a holiday appointment for your child at our office, visit our website or call (512) 321-5437.