There isn’t much you can fit inside your child’s stocking besides candy, right? Wrong. Stockings have plenty of room for healthier alternatives that don’t wreak quite as much havoc on your little one’s pearly whites. In fact, your dentist in Medford is here with seven teeth-healthy alternatives to traditional stocking stuffers.
1. A Brand-New Toothbrush
Did you know that your toothbrush should be replaced every three months? The holiday season is as good a time as any to do so. Buy your little one an electric toothbrush with their favorite color or cartoon character, or one that lights up or plays music. There are plenty of choices out there. Your child is bound to love at least one of them. Be sure to choose a brush with soft bristles and a small-sized head that will comfortably fit in their mouth.
2. Chewing Gum or Lollipops Sweetened with Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweet alternative to sugar that has actually been shown to strengthen teeth. Kids love sweet surprises, and you can rest easy knowing these treats won’t cause any harm to their pearly whites.
3. Tooth Fairy Box
Does your child currently have any loose teeth? Is there a chance they might have some in the near future? You could place a tiny box or pouch in their stocking where they can store their lost teeth until the tooth fairy arrives.
4. Flavored Floss
From the time your child has two teeth that touch, they should be flossing every day, even if you have to supervise it. Get them more excited about this activity by trying out different flavors of floss. There are plenty of them out there, like cinnamon, apple, bacon, and even waffle.
5. Sports Mouthguard
Even if your little one already has a mouthguard, getting a new one will get them even more excited about wearing it. Remember that they should be wearing one during all sports activities, including solo practice sessions.
6. Fun Toothbrush Holder
There are a lot of silly toothbrush holders out there. Finding one with your child’s favorite animal or cartoon character can make them look forward to brushing their teeth every day.
7. Small Fruits
Instead of giving your child candy that could rot their teeth, satisfy their sweet tooth with a healthy alternative: tiny fruits. Clementines actually used to be a popular treat to put in stockings. Revive that tradition to keep your little one’s teeth and gums in good condition.
Putting candy in your child’s stocking might be popular, but it can spell disaster for their teeth. Instead, try out these seven mouth-healthy alternatives. When your child is cavity-free this holiday season, they’ll have you to thank!
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1985. He opened his private practice in Medford, MA full-time in 1993, where he delivers quality care when it comes to preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. He treats patients of all ages, including little smiles. For more information on how to keep your child’s smile healthy this holiday season, click here to contact Dr. Giamberardino’s office.