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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! However, this is not the most wonderful time for your children’s smiles. In fact, the holiday season is likely the most harmful time of year for teeth because of all the large meals and sugary treats. This doesn’t mean that you need to cut out all of the fun treats, but it is probably a good idea to keep the candy to a minimum. Here are some tooth-friendly stocking stuffers that promote excellent oral health for your family.
New Toothbrush
There is no better time for you to get your child a new toothbrush than right now, as all the holiday goodies are showing up. Around Christmas time they are more likely to develop cavities and other oral health issues. With a new toothbrush, you can help to reinforce brushing habits. There are quite a few options available for kids’ toothbrushes. You can pick one out that’s their favorite color, features their favorite movie character, and even ones that play songs for the appropriate amount of time needed for a thorough clean.
Sugar-Free Sweets
Kids don’t want to go the whole day without any sweets. Instead of filling up their stocking with sugar, look for treats that won’t adhere to their teeth and cause decay. Try throwing in some sugarless gum or sugar-free lollipops. These sweets will not cause decay and they will help to increase saliva production in the mouth. This will help to wash away food debris and cavity-causing bacteria.
Fun Dental Products
As for toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash, there are many fun flavors for kids. For many children, the classic minty flavor of these products is a bit too strong. Instead, look for flavors like strawberry or orange. Remember to make sure that the toothpaste contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of approval. This guarantees that the product is safe and contributes to your child’s oral health. Remember that Children under the age of six should not use mouthwash.
Healthy Snacks
Starchy snacks like chips and crackers aren’t such a good idea because they contribute to tooth decay. Instead, pick out some healthy snacks like salted nuts, string cheese, yogurt, and high fiber fruit like apples and pears. Not only are they delicious, but they are beneficial for teeth.
Children’s Books
You can find all sorts of children’s books that encourage excellent oral hygiene habits. Reading is great for your child’s development as well, so why not bring the two together. Look for stories about oral hygiene, the dental office, or the tooth fairy.
Everyone is looking forward to the holidays, but no one wants to start the new year needing to get fillings. Now is a great time to pick out some of these products to fill up the stockings. This way, your family can make it through the holiday season cavity-free!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld is an experienced dentist who is been working in the field for more than three decades. He graduated from Columbia University Dental School and is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (631) 286-9000.