Top Stocking Stuffers for Healthier Smiles

Christmas is right around the corner, and the often-forgotten-until-the-last-minute stockings are something we would love to help you get a head start on. Instead of cruising down the candy aisle at the store, try out some of these fun stocking stuffers that make for a happier smile!

1. Toothbrush – This might be the most obvious option, but let’s make it fun! Try out one of the battery-operated toothbrushes with lights or that plays music to encourage teeth brushing and makes the task much more fun! These can be found at your local pharmacy, super store, or even online!
2. Toothpaste – Change up your child’s toothpaste with a new flavor or a tube of paste with their favorite cartoon character or action figure. The littlest things can go a long way and make oral health something exciting for your little one.
3. Flavored Flossers – Flossing is a difficult task to get young ones on board for doing. Many of the big brands make children’s flossers with fun colors and different flavors. A little mixed fruit flavor on their floss can turn a daunting task in to something that is a fun (and tasty!) step in their nightly routine.
4. Gum Sweetened with Xilytol – Most (read: all!) candies on the holiday treats aisle will be counter-productive to healthy dental care, but gum sweetened with xylitol can be a healthier alternative. Xylitol is known to stimulate the production of saliva, which naturally cleans teeth by breaking down build up and ultimately, preventing cavities. Compared to a sugar-filled option, this is a tasty and tooth-friendly alternative!
5. Dental Books – Why not add something educational while also avoiding something cavity-inducing? A fun picture book about proper dental health, or a storyline that will make your little one laugh is a great way to reinforce proper dental practices. Check out our blog a few posts back for the top dental books for children to get some inspiration!

We wish you a happy and merry holiday season this year! Our hope is that you have been able to gain a great deal of insight in to your options for your child’s dental needs by switching out the standard Christmas stocking options with something more smile-friendly. If you are in the Brooklyn, NY area and looking for the best kids’ dentist around, Dr. Yury Slepak, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, at 2464 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223 would love to help guide you and keep your child’s smile healthy! Call 718-998-2424 to schedule your child’s appointment today!