Seeing a stocking filled with little gifts is one of the many joys we’ve all experienced at Christmas growing up. Of course, now you’re a parent who has to stuff said stockings, and you’re left wondering, “What do I put in there?” Everything else your child wants is already under the tree! Your dentist is here to help with a few ideas that will actually make your child look forward to brushing their teeth after Christmas morning.
A New Toothbrush
While getting a toothbrush for Christmas might sound lame on the surface, it doesn’t have to be. There are all manner of bright and colorful options available, including ones that feature some of your child’s favorite characters from the shows you’ve had to watch a thousand times.
Or, if they are old enough, you could give them an upgrade with an electric brush. When used correctly, these offer a deeper clean compared to a manual brush, and the novelty will be sure to intrigue your child the first few times they use it.
Whacky Toothpaste
For the longest time, it seemed like toothpaste only came in one flavor—mint. That couldn’t be further from the truth these days. Now you can get bubblegum, cinnamon, vanilla, and pretty much every flavor you can imagine. Choosing a toothpaste your child likes will encourage them to use it consistently, which will go a long way in protecting their oral health.
Teeth-Friendly Snacks
Did you know that chocolate is every dentist’s favorite treat? Why? Because it tastes great, comes in many varieties, doesn’t stick to the teeth, and is easy to chew (as long as it doesn’t contain nuts). That means your child can indulge without you having to worry about sugar lingering in their mouth. So, even if your child isn’t thrilled about their new toothbrush, a stocking filled with chocolate is sure to please them.
About the Author
Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons are husband-and-wife family dentists who both graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Dr. Jackson completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program there, one of the most elite residencies in the country, and Dr. Parsons consistently trains to use the latest technology so he can offer the most advanced methods of treatment. To get more tips for this holiday season or schedule everyone’s next checkup and cleaning before things get really busy, click here.