It may be tradition to stuff stockings with candy and sweet treats, but it’s not much of a gift for your loved ones’ teeth. Delta Dental of Colorado has rounded up some fun and cavity-free gift ideas.
1. Upgrade to Electric
Electric toothbrushes are more than just “nice to have.” They can actually be more effective than manual brushes and are particularly useful for seniors with arthritis or people with physical disabilities that make it difficult to wield manual toothbrushes.
2. Brighten Their Days
Know someone who wouldn’t mind a megawatt grin? Consider over-the-counter whitening strips as a stocking stuffer. Include a note to make sure the recipient knows to consult his or her dentist before starting a new whitening routine.
3. Chew Away
You don’t have to eliminate all sweet treats from your gift-giving arsenal. Throw in a few packs of chewing gum containing the ingredient xylitol to help suppress the bacteria that cause tooth decay. If xylitol gum is not available, sugar-free gum is a good alternative — and it also increases saliva flow to help wash food debris from teeth.
4. Sweets, Minus the Sugar
Similarly, a few pieces of sugar-free candy will keep the fun factor high but the possibility of cavities low. Don’t overdo it, though. High levels of sorbitol, a substance often found in sugar-free items, can lead to an upset stomach.
5. Presents for the Pick-Y
Floss picks are great for travel purposes, for kids learning how to floss or for people with limited dexterity. Bonus: They come in lots of fun colors.
Do you have any other tooth-friendly gift ideas to share? Leave them in the comments.