5 Smile-Friendly Stocking Stuffers

Your tree is decorated and stockings are hung, which means you’re searching for the perfect gifts and goodies for your child. However, you don’t want the holidays to come back to haunt their smile. You can support their dental health with 5 awesome stocking stuffers for children in Goodyear.

1. Electronic Toothbrush

Children often don’t have the best brushing techniques or don’t brush long enough. An electric toothbrush can help make up for their shortcomings. They offer more brush strokes per minute to make your child’s brushing routine more effective. Many also have special features, like a timer or pressure sensor. Make sure the brush head accommodates the size of their mouth. Look for one that has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means it has undergone voluntary testing for safety and effectiveness.

2. Waterflosser

Children can struggle to maneuver floss between their teeth, or they may skip it completely. You can make the task easier by placing a waterflosser in their stocking. The small device emits a gentle stream of water pressure to remove plaque and bacteria from the most hard-to-reach places.

3. Chocolate

If you can’t resist giving your little one a sweet treat, choose chocolate instead of hard or chewy candy. Candy canes may be a staple of the holidays, but they bathe teeth in cavity-causing bacteria for an extended time. Sticky candy, like taffy and caramel, can cling to your child’s teeth, especially in the crevasses of the molars. Chocolate is a safer option for their smile because it rinses from their teeth easier, so it’s less likely to linger in their mouth. However, don’t overdo it. Only include one or two pieces to protect their smile from decay.

4. Sugarless Gum

If your child is old enough, sugarless gum is a great stocking treat. Chewing gum increases saliva production to keep your little one’s mouth moist. It will cleanse their teeth in between brushing and flossing.

5. Athletic Mouthguard 

An athletic mouthguard can safeguard your child’s smile from dental emergencies. It provides a protective barrier for their teeth, gums, and other oral structures. Research has found that it can also reduce the risk of concussions. It’s best to choose a mouthguard from a pediatric dentist instead of an OTC product to give them maximum protection. 

Support a Healthy Holiday Smile

Besides choosing smile-friendly gifts, don’t forget to schedule your child’s semi-annual appointment for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll remove any buildup left behind by brushing and flossing. Their pediatric dentist will also examine their teeth and gums to ensure there aren’t any untreated dental problems that can interrupt your holiday plans. Your child will have a healthy, beautiful smile as they head into the new year.

About Dr. Kallen Wheeler

Dr. Wheeler earned his dental degree from the University of Louisville and regularly continues his education to provide the most up-to-date services in oral healthcare. He provides comprehensive treatment plans for patients of all ages, including children. If your little one needs a cleaning and checkup, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.