As you contemplate what to place in your child’s stocking this year, we have a few suggestions that kids will love, while also keeping their smiles bright.
A New Toothbrush
Give your kids a fun and healthy start to the New Year with a toothbrush depicting their favorite cartoon character, or one that lights up, and/or plays music. Available as a manual or electric toothbrush, there are plenty of styles to choose from, but be sure that it is soft-bristled and sized for smaller mouths.
Specialty Flossers
Floss is now available in a variety of flavors, including cinnamon, cupcake, bacon, and more. You can also find individual flossers that are brightly colored and shaped like animals that can keep kids smiling.
Flavored Toothpaste
Kid’s toothpaste now comes in a variety of flavors, from tropical to bubblegum. Find the right flavor for your child to encourage them to brush longer.
Toothbrush Holders
From cartoon characters to animals both real and mythical, there are many cute toothbrush holders that keep your child’s brush sanitary and within easy reach.
A Toothbrush Timer
Help instill healthy brushing habits with a timer that can help take the chore out of brushing, and even turn it into a game.
Dental Apps
If you don’t want a timer cluttering your countertop or prefer a high-tech option consider the Brush DJ app or similar ones that play music to keep kids bopping while they brush for two minutes. Other apps, like Tiny Dentist, offer educational games that encourage kids to keep their teeth clean.
Tooth Fairy Box
If your child is approaching the age when he or she will begin to lose baby teeth, have Santa bring them a Tooth Fairy box to store them in.
Sports Mouth Guard
For kids who love sports, a new mouth guard in a different color or style than the one they already own can be fun and encourage them to use it more often.
Xylitol-Sweetened Treats
Chewing gum or lollipops made with Xylitol are both tasty and good for their teeth. Please note that if you can’t avoid traditional sugary sweets, have your child drink water after eating them to minimize potential harm to their teeth.
Everyone at Petrone Family Dentistry hopes that you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season. The long holiday break is also a great time to schedule your child’s dental checkup and please remember that we are here to help if anyone in your family experiences a dental emergency. Enjoy your holidays and keep smiling!