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Christmas is almost here! As the most wonderful (and most hectic) time of the year, it can be difficult to keep up with everything you need to get done before your family arrives or you leave town to go visit loved ones. If the busyness of the season caused you to forget to buy stocking stuffers, here are five smile-approved options as well as tips to keep your oral health in good shape.
#1: Healthy Snacks
Chocolates and candy canes are tasty, but they can do some serious damage to your oral health. Instead of filling stockings with these cavity causers, fill them with tooth-healthy treats like:
- Sugar-free candy like peppermint patties and peanut butter cups
- Almonds or other low-salt nuts
- Sugar-free gum
#2: Reusable Straws
Using a straw while you drink coffee, tea, cola, and other dark beverages is a great way to protect your family’s teeth from getting stained. Reusable straws are also better for the environment since they can be cleaned and reused, so they’re an excellent way for your family to enjoy their favorite beverages while maintaining beautiful smiles.
#3: Toothpaste
There are all sorts of fun flavors of toothpaste, including bubblegum, bacon, licorice, watermelon, citrus, cinnamon, ginger, strawberry, cupcake, pickle, coffee, chocolate, and many more. Consider purchasing a few different flavors to disperse among your family’s Christmas stockings to make taking care of your teeth more fun.
#4: Lip Balm
Lip balm is a great stocking stuffer. It’s small, portable, inexpensive, and can help keep your lips from drying out and cracking during the cold winter months.
#5: A New Toothbrush
Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three to four months. What better time to give new ones to your family than while they unpack their Christmas stocking? If you have children, consider getting them toothbrushes that feature their favorite characters. If they’re ready to make the switch, you can even upgrade them to an electric toothbrush.
5 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Smile During the Holidays
The above stocking stuffers are great ways to protect your smile, but how else can you maintain a healthy mouth during the holidays? A few ways to do this include:
- Brush – Your teeth for at least two minutes twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to avoid damaging your teeth and to strengthen your enamel.
- Floss – Use dental floss to remove food particles from between your teeth at least once per day, preferably before bed.
- Eat a well-balanced diet – This includes low-fat or fat-free dairy, fish, lean meats, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Use mouthwash – Mouthwash will remove bacteria and plaque from places you can’t reach with a toothbrush or dental floss
- Drink plenty of water – This will help wash away bacteria and food particles.
So, go to the grocery store and stock up on the above stocking stuffers. Giving your family tooth-approved gifts will ensure that your Christmas photos are full of bright, beautiful smiles!
About the Author
Highland Smiles Dental cares about the oral health of the Dallas patients and aims to help them maintain healthy smiles by providing them with the best oral health care around. They can teach you how to better care for your pearly whites and offer tips on how to keep your smile in good condition this holiday season. To set up an appointment or for more ideas for tooth-approved stocking stuffers, call Highland Smiles Dental at (214) 528-9990 or visit their website.