Keep Their Smile as White As Christmas: 3 Dentist-Approved Stocking Stuffers

Every parent has run into this dilemma. You’ve gone through your child’s Christmas list and gotten everything you can (without going bankrupt), but there’s just one problem…what do you put in their stocking? Every Christmas movie ever made includes stockings stuffed to the brim with…something, but they never show what they’re actually filled with! Thankfully, you can maintain the holiday cheer and give your child things that will promote their oral health at the same time with these three dentist-approved stocking gift ideas.

A New Toothbrush

Yes, getting a toothbrush for Christmas might sound lame on the surface, but there is a right way to go about this. Practically every cartoon/video game character you can imagine can be found on a toothbrush, and getting one with your child’s favorite is sure to put a smile on their face. It might even make them look forward to brushing!

Or, if your child is a little older, it may be time to upgrade them to an electric brush. These are often able to provide a deeper clean compared to manual brushes when used correctly, and the novelty alone is sure to make them interested in cleaning their teeth.  

Sugar-Free Candy

No matter what kind of sweets your child loves, you can bet there is a sugar-free version. That means your little (or not so little) one can enjoy them without you having to stress about cavities. Some quick research online or reading labels at the store is all you need to do. If you can, try to get treats with xylitol…this sweetener is actually proven to lower the risk of tooth decay!

Brushing Reward Calendar

This one requires a little more forethought, but it’s perfect if you have trouble getting your child to brush and floss. Essentially, you create a calendar where you mark the days they do their oral hygiene routine, and if they clean their teeth consistently (whether it’s for a week or month), they get a little reward at the end. It can be anything you think they’ll like. Some ideas include letting them choose the movie on family night or buying a gift card for V-bucks, Robux, or whatever currency is used for the online games they play with friends.

You can turn a nightly struggle into a source of fun and anticipation as your child slowly builds toward their prize. It’s literally the gift that keeps on giving.

All of these are proven to help uplift a child’s oral health, plus they easily fit into a stocking! Between rich holiday foods and the break in routine, this time of year can be especially dangerous for someone’s teeth, but these gifts will keep your favorite smile’s snowy whites protected well into the new year and beyond.

About the Author

Dr. James T. Gray has more than three decades of dental experience, and he puts his expertise to good use helping Arlington families improve and protect their smiles. He welcomes patients of all ages, and he is proud to offer a wide variety of treatments under one roof. To schedule a pre-Christmas checkup and cleaning to make sure your family’s smiles are ready for the holidays, visit his website or call (817) 460-4131.