Fill Up the Stockings: Gift Ideas to Keep Smiles Healthy This Season

When you think about filling your child’s stocking this year, what do you plan to put in it? If you’re like most people, you might turn to small toys, trinkets, gum, and even candy. While some of these items are just fine to give as “extra” presents, others filled with sugar can do more harm than good. If you want to avoid a dental emergency or future dental filling because your child develops a cavity over the holidays, a dentist in Richardson shares a few gift ideas to keep their smile healthy and bright this season. 

Sugar-Free Snacks

In the past, young children often received fruit in their stockings. They would light up with excitement to see apples, oranges, and other colorful foods left for their consumption. Nowadays, most children expect a stocking full of sugary sweets. But to keep their teeth from becoming a haven for bad bacteria, try putting in small boxes of raisins, packets of nuts, or even sugar-free gum in their favorite flavor. These healthy treats will still give them something to smile about and enjoy while opening the rest of their gifts.

A New Toothbrush

While a new toothbrush isn’t likely to be on your child’s Christmas list, it’s a good idea to use this time to slip one into their stocking. Whether or not it’s time to change out their current brush with a new one, they will get excited to see their favorite character on the handle and proclaiming the importance of good oral hygiene. Who knows, your child might be eager to brush their teeth after unwrapping all their toys from Santa.

Dental Products in Their Favorite Flavor

Nowadays, mint is not the only flavor you can find when shopping for toothpaste, dental floss, or mouthwash. Realizing children often prefer a fruitier option, corporations are now offering a larger variety of flavors, including bubble gum, strawberry, and even cherry! When searching the oral hygiene aisle at your local drug store, remember to look for these few criteria before purchasing for your little one’s stocking:

• Make sure they have the ADA Seal of Approval
• Always opt for toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride
• If your child is younger than 6, don’t purchase mouthwash for them

Tooth Fairy Pillow or Box

If your child is getting closer to losing their first tooth, consider putting a new pillow or box in their stocking that will keep their teeth safe until the Tooth Fairy arrives. Whether it means having a personalized pillow made with their name on it or opting for a small wooden box that once belonged to you as a child, these tiny treasures will bring lots of excitement in the future each time they lose a tooth and wait for the Tooth Fairy to arrive.

Making the holidays special for your child doesn’t always have to include sugary candies and unhealthy treats. Instead, you can opt for gifts and snacks that will keep their smile looking and feeling its best throughout the year.

About the Practice
At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, your child’s smile deserves the best dental care possible. As the holidays quickly approach, it’s likely you are looking for treats that won’t harm their teeth or gums. To help you in your search and prevent decay and disease from developing, we are happy to offer tips and suggestions on some of the greatest gifts you can give to your child that will encourage them to get excited about taking care of their smile. To find out how we can set your little one up for success this year, contact us at (972) 231-5376.