The holidays are right around the corner, which means you’re hunting for the perfect gifts and goodies to put in your loved one’s stockings. Although candy canes and sweet treats are staples of the season, it can mean bad news when your family visits their dentist in Burlington. The holidays don’t have to come back to haunt their dental health. Here are 4 smile-friendly stocking stuffers approved by your dentist.
1. Electric Toothbrush
The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily for 2 minutes. You can add a new spin to your loved one’s oral hygiene routine with an electric toothbrush. Although manual brushes are effective, an electric option provides more brush strokes per minute for a better clean. Many come with special features, like timers or pressure sensors, to cater to each person’s individual needs.
2. Waterflosser
Flossing is equally important as brushing, but traditional floss can be difficult to use, especially for small children or those with arthritis in their hands. A waterflosser makes flossing easier for people of all ages. A gentle stream of pressurized water can clean the most difficult-to-reach places in the mouth to support healthy gums and make flossing feel like less of a chore.
3. Athletic Mouthguard
An athletic mouthguard is the perfect stocking stuffer for the athlete in your family. Whether they play football, mountain bike, or ride a skateboard, it will protect their teeth and gums to prevent dental emergencies. Research has also found they can also reduce the risk of concussions.
4. Chocolate
If you can’t resist putting something sweet in the stockings hung above your fireplace, your dentist will recommend chocolate because it’s less damaging to teeth than hard or sticky candy. Candy canes are a favorite during the holidays, but they must be held in the mouth for an extended time, which bathes teeth in sugar. Taffy and other sticky candy aren’t any better because they cling to teeth, allowing them to erode enamel. Chocolate is the safest option since it doesn’t linger in the mouth for too long. However, only give 1 or 2 pieces to keep your family’s smiles cavity-free.
Invest in Healthy Smiles for the New Year
Besides choosing dental-friendly stocking stuffers, don’t forget to schedule your family’s semi-annual cleanings and checkups. Although life can get pretty busy during the holidays, brushing and flossing aren’t enough to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay.
Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, while checkups allow your family dentist to monitor everyone’s oral health. They’ll ensure there aren’t any untreated issues that can turn into a dental emergency during the holidays.
A trip to the dentist will ensure everyone in your home starts the new year with a healthy, beautiful smile.
About Dr. Kostas
Dr. Kostas earned his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and regularly undergoes continuing education to provide complete services from one location. As a member of the American Dental Association and many other professional organizations, he has a reputation you can trust. Contact our office today to request an appointment.
