Are you excited for Christmas? People around the world are getting ready to celebrate this holiday with loved ones through food, gifts, and fun. There’s a lot to do before Christmas Day, such as making travel arrangements, preparing accommodations for friends and family traveling from out of town, and making holiday feasts. To give you one less thing to consider this holiday season, read on for five ideas for stocking stuffers that have your dentist’s seal of approval.
Idea #1: Reusable Straws
Reusable straws are a great stocking stuffer because they help lower the risk of staining. This is because drinking dark or highly pigmented beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine through them will keep these drinks from having as much contact with their teeth. They are also easy to clean and reuse time and time again. Consider looking for ones that come with carrying cases or fold up so they’re easy to take to restaurants and everywhere else.
Idea #2: Healthy Snacks
Though chocolate, candy canes, and other seasonal treats are classic stocking stuffers, they aren’t the best for your smile. They contain a lot of sugar, which is fed on by the bacteria that cause cavities. Instead, replace them with smile-approved treats, such as:
- Sugar-free chocolates, gummies, and hard candies
- Nuts like almonds, cashews, & Brazil nuts
- Sugar-free gum made with xylitol
- Dark chocolate
Idea #3: A New Toothbrush
How long has it been since your family last replaced their toothbrushes? If it’s been more than a few months, it’s probably time to get new ones. Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months since this is around the time when the bristles begin to fray and will no longer be effective at removing plaque from your smile. If you have children, consider upgrading them to electric toothbrushes featuring their favorite characters or colors if they’re ready to do so.
Idea #4: Toothpaste and Dental Floss
Dental floss and toothpaste are also great stocking stuffers. They’ll go well with your family’s new toothbrushes, and they even come in a variety of fun flavors, such as:
- Cupcake
- Strawberry
- Pickle
- Bacon
- Bubblegum
- Ranch dressing
- Spiced pumpkin
- Waffle
- Cherry
- Banana
Idea #5: A Tooth Timer
Tooth timers are particularly useful for those who have trouble keeping track of how long they’ve been brushing their pearly whites. This is something that younger children often struggle with since they’re still getting used to caring for their smiles. Some tooth timers look like hourglasses and can be turned upside down so the sand will let them know how much longer they have to brush their teeth. Others are battery-powered. Regardless of what type you choose, this helpful stocking stuffer will teach your little one how to properly care for their beam.
Even if you’ve already purchased some stocking stuffers, consider adding in a few dentist-approved ones. These will help your family counteract this sugar-filled season so they can go into the new year with their teeth in great condition!
About the Practice
Dr. J. Robert Donnelly is the skilled dentist at San Marcos Gentle Dental who aims to make his patients feel comfortable, safe, and well cared for from the moment they enter his office. They offer treatments like checkups and cleanings to prevent dental health issues it can also give you ideas for stocking stuffers to help you and your loved ones protect your pearly whites all year long. To learn more about their services or to set up an appointment with San Marcos Gentle Dental, call their office at (512) 396-5225 or visit their website.