Believe it or not, the new year is right around the corner. As you head into the holidays, you’re searching for the perfect goodies and gifts to put in your little one’s stocking. Candy canes, cookies, and other sweet treats are staples of the season, but they can lead to toothaches during the year ahead. You can avoid bad news at the dentist with smile-friendly stocking stuffers. Don’t worry about your little one being disappointed. Here are 3 stocking stuffer ideas your child will love.
1. Electric Toothbrush
Did you know tooth decay in children is more common than childhood asthma? Your child’s toothbrush is their first line of defense against cavities; however, children don’t have the best brushing habits. Whether they don’t brush long enough or have a habit of pushing too hard, an electric toothbrush can make up for their shortcomings, so brushing is less of a battle.
Traditional toothbrushes are effective, but they can be difficult for small hands to use. An electric toothbrush offers more brush strokes per minute for a more effective clean while your child improves their brushing techniques. Many offer special features, like timers and pressure sensors, to find the ideal brush for your little one’s smile.
Look for a toothbrush that has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means it has undergone voluntary testing for safety and effectiveness. Choose a brush that will accommodate the size of your child’s mouth.
2. Waterflosser
A toothbrush isn’t the only thing your child’s smile needs to stay healthy. Flossing is equally important because it cleans areas their toothbrush can’t reach, like in between their teeth. However, traditional floss and flossers can be challenging to use, even for small fingers.
A waterflosser will make it easy for your little one to keep their gums healthy. A gentle stream of water pressure removes food particles and plaque. You won’t have to worry about them injuring their gum tissues from flossing incorrectly. It’s easy to use and will make flossing feel like less of a chore.
3. Chocolate
If you can’t resist sneaking something sweet into their stocking, skip candy canes, caramel, and taffy. Hard candy must be held in the mouth to dissolve, which will bathe your child’s teeth in cavity-causing sugar. Sticky candy isn’t any better because it clings to teeth, especially the crevasses of the molars.
Instead, it’s better to include a couple of pieces of chocolate because it’s easier to remove from teeth. It’s also less likely to linger in your little one’s mouth to protect their pearly whites.
You can support healthy smiles in your home with good oral hygiene habits, which is a gift that can last for a lifetime.
About Dr. Rachel H. Clark
Dr. Clark earned her dental degree from Creighton University and has continued her education in advanced services for patients of all ages. She is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If your child needs a cleaning and checkup before the new year, request an appointment through our website or call us at (316) 847-6113.