Socking stuffers are often one of the most fun, and sometimes one of the most sugary, parts of Christmas! Candy canes, chocolates, and other treats may be festive, but they’re not doing your teeth any favors! But, here is some good news! You don’t have to skip the stockings to protect your smile this Christmas!
This year, consider filling stockings with gifts that can keep healthy teeth and gums. These dentist-approved ideas are practical, thoughtful, and perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike while enjoying Christmas cheer!
Electric Toothbrushes and Replacement Heads
An electric toothbrush may seem like a big gift, but many brands offer compact models that fit perfectly into a stocking. Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes and help improve brushing habits, especially for kids and teens.
If your family already uses electric toothbrushes, replacement brush heads make an excellent gift. Most people wait far too long to change their brush head, so this small stocking stuffer can make a big difference!
Fun, Flavored Dental Floss and Floss Picks
Ok, let’s be honest…traditional floss isn’t always exciting! That’s why flavored floss, colorful floss picks, and reusable flossers make great stocking stuffers. These options encourage daily flossing and are especially helpful for kids or adults who struggle with traditional string floss.
Floss picks are also ideal for travel, busy schedules, or keeping in a desk or backpack. Utilizing ways to make flossing more convenient definitely increases the likelihood that it actually gets done!
Compact or Travel Size Water Flossers
For patients with braces, dental implants, bridges, or tight spacing between teeth, a water flosser can be a game changer! Compact or travel-size water flossers fit nicely into stockings and help clean areas traditional floss may miss. If you are a multi-tasker like myself, using a travel water flosser in the shower in the mornings is a huge time saver!
Travel-size toothpaste, mouth rinse, and toothbrushes are also great stocking stuffers! They’re perfect if you have someone in your family that travels for work or school often. Maintaining oral hygiene while traveling can be challenging, so these tools make it easier to stay consistent.
Xylitol Gum and Sugar-Free Treats
You can still include sweet treats as a stocking stuffer! Just choose sweet treats that use Xylitol rather than sugar! Xylitol helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria and stimulates saliva, which naturally protects teeth.
Sugar-free gum and mints are also excellent substitute to traditional candy and can be especially helpful after meals when brushing isn’t an option
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth or Whitening
Toothpaste might not sound exciting, but specialty toothpaste is a real gift! Whitening toothpaste, enamel-strengthening toothpaste, or toothpaste for sensitive teeth are practical gifts people appreciate but don’t always buy for themselves.
For kids, fun flavors and themed toothpaste can make brushing more enjoyable and encourage good habits. A toothpaste with fluoride is another great way to protect against cavities!
Gifts for Kids
For younger kids, gifts to help with home care can be both fun and functional. Light-up toothbrushes, brushing timers, tooth-shaped toys, or storybooks about dental visits help make home care less intimidating and more fun!
These gifts reinforce positive habits early and help kids see dental care as normal and an important part of their daily routine! And they are especially helpful during the sugar-filled holiday season!
A Healthy Smile Is the Best Gift of All
The holidays are about joy, celebration, and taking care of the people you love! Why not include their smiles?! Thoughtful stocking stuffers that support home dental care shows you care about more than just the moment. It shows you care about their long-term health!
As you finish your holiday shopping, remember that the best gifts don’t always come wrapped in candy. A healthy, beautiful smile lasts far longer than any treat! So consider these great stocking stuffers that will help your family and friends keep theirs!
From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with healthy smiles and happy memories!
Sherri Merritt
Dental Consultant & Trainer
