The holiday season is filled with sweet treats and all kinds of small, delightful gifts! However, not every stocking stuffer is smile-friendly; unfortunately, some may contain high amounts of sugar. Needless to say, this can spell bad news for the teeth and gums—especially in the case of children, who often find their stockings filled to the brim with chocolate, candy canes, and other holiday candies. Here are some better alternatives that your child will love just as much and smile about brightly.
1. Kid-Friendly Toothbrushes
Nothing can make brushing more exciting than a new toothbrush, especially if you can find one for your child that features their favorite color or cartoon character. Some of these brushes even light up or play music, which can make the habit even more engaging. Of course, electric toothbrushes are also known for being more effective at cleaning than their manual counterparts.
2. Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Believe it or not, sugar-free gum (sweetened with xylitol) can help to reduce cavity-causing bacteria inside the mouth and increase saliva flow. For older children, a pack of this chewing gum is both a smile-friendly and a practical gift, since they can bring it with them anywhere they go.
3. Non-Candy Alternatives
Kids tend to love novelty items, small toys, fun trinkets, and all kinds of other silly, non-food items that are perfect for stockings. Things like coloring books, puzzles, trading cards, bouncy balls, and all kinds of other options can be just as fun without any of the dental danger.
4. Refillable Water Bottle
Hydration plays a big role in oral health, as it helps to wash away excess food particles in between brushing sessions and also encourages your mouth’s saliva flow. A colorful, child-sized bottle can help them feel more inclined to sip water throughout the day, keeping their teeth cleaner and providing their body with other useful benefits.
Stocking stuffers don’t have to contain sugar or pose a threat to your child’s teeth; from toothbrushes to water bottles, healthy alternatives exist that will bring just as much joy!
About the Practice
Under the skillful leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy and Dr. Sadaf Mostafavian, our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics serves families in Nashua and the surrounding area. We offer a variety of pediatric services for children of all ages, including routine checkups and cleanings to help keep their smiles healthy year-round, including for the upcoming holiday season. If you have any questions or need to schedule a dental appointment for your child, reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (603) 880-5002.