5 Ideas for Dental Health-Boosting Stocking Stuffers

The holidays are just around the corner, so it’s time to start gathering last-minute gifts like stocking stuffers! Instead of just purchasing candy and knick knacks, invest in items that will help keep all of your favorite smiles healthy, happy, and bright. Not to mention, helping your family boost their dental hygiene habits is an excellent way to save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars by avoiding costly dental treatments. Read on for five dental health stocking stuffer ideas.

Fun-Flavored Toothpastes

For your younger family members, new and exciting flavors of toothpaste can be just what they need to become more diligent about brushing and flossing, especially if they aren’t fans of mint. Several trusted brands make various toothpaste flavors, like bubble gum, raspberry, strawberry, and more. If you’re filling a stocking for an adult, try gifting them trusted and ADA-approved whitening toothpastes and products that will make their smile shine!

Flossing Picks

A survey from the American Dental Association revealed that less than 50 percent of adults in America floss on a daily basis, despite that being a recommended part of every dental hygiene routine. This can be due to not knowing how to floss, or not wanting to fidget with string dental floss. Fortunately, there’s an easier alternative that’s also excellent for those with physical disabilities, called flossing picks. They’re easier to grasp and maneuver between the teeth, making flossing easier to include into daily routines.

New Toothbrushes

Has it been longer than you know since a family member last replaced their toothbrush? The American Dental Association recommends switching out toothbrushes every three months, or after you’ve gotten over being sick, to minimize the accumulation of bacteria on it. A brand new toothbrush

Smile-Safe Sweets

Some candy and sweet treats are better than others when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. Instead of sticky taffies and gummies that can adhere to the teeth, making them harder to clear away, get chocolate and other soft candies that can melt away. The longer teeth are exposed to sugar, the higher the risk of decay occurring, which is why it’s also a good idea to avoid any sweets that need to be sucked on for long periods of time, like Jolly Ranchers.

Breath-Freshening Treats

In addition to smile-safe treats, you can also stuff your family members’ stockings with breath-freshening mints, sugar-free gum, and Listerine dissolvable sheets. They’ll be glad they have them whenever they go on a first date, job interview, or just feel like their breath could use a little minty boost!

About the Practice

At Laura Philipps, DMD, our team is led by two friendly, compassionate, and experienced family dentists, Dr. Laura Philipps and Dr. Marisa Ramos. They treat patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and offer a comprehensive menu of dental services to take care of a spectrum of oral health needs. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 532-570-4433.