Now that the holidays are just around the corner, you’re probably spending time stringing lights up around your home, listening to festive music, and whipping up some delicious meals for your family. You can’t forget about all the delicious treats that come around this time of year. However, because there are so many sweets during the holidays, the last thing your kids need is more of them in their stocking. A dentist in Spring Lake has some stocking stuffer suggestions that will help your children to keep up a healthy, happy smile.
New Toothbrush
This is probably the worst time of year for your kids’ smiles. It’s fun having treats now, but it won’t be fun when they need fillings. By getting them new toothbrushes, they will be more motivated to keep up good oral hygiene practices. You can find children’s toothbrushes in all sorts of fun colors, with cartoon characters, and even ones that play songs for the appropriate duration of time. It’s important to get a new toothbrush every few months anyways, so why not now?
Delicious Dental Products
You may love the fresh, minty flavor of your toothpaste in the morning, but it might be too strong of a taste for your kids. But that’s okay! There are some yummy toothpaste flavors that are made with kids in mind. Looks for bubblegum, strawberry, or orange. The most important ingredient to look for is fluoride. This natural mineral is what helps to protect teeth from decay. Check for the ADA seal of approval as well. This guarantees that the product is safe and effective at keeping your kids’ teeth healthy.
Sugar-Free Candy
Fortunately, you can find sugarless candy at your local grocery store. This way, your kids can satisfy their sweet tooth without you having to worry about the health of their teeth. Look for sugar-free gum near the register or hard sweets in the candy aisle.
Healthy Snacks
A bag of chips or a pack of crackers may be easy to throw into a stocking, but they are just as bad as eating candy. Try throwing together some healthy snacks like mixed nuts, string cheese, apple slices, or yogurt to munch on. Not only do they taste good, but they are beneficial for your kids’ oral health too!
This holiday season, don’t forget about your kids’ oral health. Try some of the suggestions listed above so your family can start the new year cavity-free.
About the Author
Dr. Edward J. Dooley is an experienced dentist serving patients of all ages who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He served his country by working as a Dental Officer in the Navy before opening up his own practice in 1986. He is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more ways to keep your children’s smiles healthy or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (732) 974-2288.
