At long last, the holiday season is finally here! If you’re like most parents, you’ve spent most of 2020 trying to keep your kids as healthy as possible. As a result, you’re hesitant to fill their stocking with candy like you’ve done in years past. While they might taste great, they could cause your little one to have to spend the new year in their dentist’s office getting cavities treated. To keep your child’s pearly whites healthy, here are four suggestions for smile-friendly stocking stuffers that they can’t help but love.
1. New Toothbrushes
Your child (and anyone, really) should change out their toothbrush every three months, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Why not start the new year off on the right foot with a brand-new toothbrush? It’s also a great opportunity to pick one that plays a fun song or features your child’s favorite cartoon character.
2. Yummy Dental Products
If the taste of mint is too strong for your son or daughter, there are plenty of tasty alternatives for dental products like toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. Choose one with a flavor they’ll look forward to using, like strawberry or grape.
Keep in mind that any toothpaste or mouthwash you select should have the ADA Seal of Approval. This means it has enough fluoride to benefit your child’s oral health. Also, know that kids under the age of six should not use mouthwash.
3. Sugar-Free Snacks
No one, especially not kids, wants to go through the holiday season without any sweets! Rather than filling their stockings with sugary candies that will stick to their teeth and create cavities, buy some sugarless gum or sugar-free lollipops. These treats will not only not cause tooth decay, but they increase saliva production, helping to keep their smiles clean! Additionally, you could choose snacks like salted nuts, pears, apples, yogurt, or string cheese. All of these items are low in sugar and high in nutrients that strengthen your little one’s teeth.
4. Children’s Books
Reading is wonderful for your child’s development. Why not also use this opportunity to give them a fun book designed to encourage good oral hygiene habits? Find picture books about brushing and flossing, the tooth fairy, or visits to the dentist.
Make sure your child starts the new year off right with a healthy, cavity-free smile by choosing these teeth-friendly stocking stuffers instead of candy. Your little one’s smile, and their dentist, will thank you!
About the Practice
At Meadowbrook Dentistry, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch dental care to families in Plainview, NY and the surrounding communities. Dr. Publio Silfa and Dr. Miguel A. Casañas, Jr. provide a comprehensive array of dentistry services under one roof, including children’s services like sealants and fluoride treatments. To learn more about keeping your child’s smile healthy this holiday season, visit us online, or call us at (516) 346–5721.