The Christmas season is almost over, but that doesn’t mean there are no more holidays between us. These are the perfect time to spend more quality time with family and friends, share nice stories and enjoyable laughs, enjoy lovely meals, and of course, exchange and open gifts. Instead of traditional presents like garments or household items, why not make it extra special by giving your loved ones something that will further enrich their oral health?
We recommend trying any of these mouth-healthy items to show how much you care about them!
- Electric Toothbrush
If you know someone who still sticks to a manual toothbrush, maybe it’s time to let him know how electric models do an exceptionally high-level job at cleaning teeth and mouth. He will surely appreciate your effort!
You don’t need the fanciest one. A rechargeable version with an in-built timer will do, but there are several other features you can choose from according to budget and suitability. You can have the electric toothbrush personalized too. Either with your friend’s favorite color or stamped initials.
- Toothbrush Timer
Brushing teeth for two minutes may seem like a long time, especially for kids. A toothbrush timer can be a practical dental gift that ensures they won’t skip brushing sessions and do it thoroughly enough.
Other than a two-minute cleaning timer, some electric toothbrushes also integrate associated phone apps to encourage proper brushing. There’s a personalized mouth map to detect missed areas and whether too much pressure is applied while cleaning. Parents can track their child’s brushing habits in actual time.
- Wacky or Posh Toothpaste
If you’re looking for an unusual or unexpected gift, a toothpaste in a special flavor or decorative bottle might be a good start. From sweet flavors like chocolate and bubble gum to tasty ones such as bacon (perfect for your little munchkins!).
However, don’t just grab any toothpaste off the shelf. Make sure it holds an ADA seal and is guaranteed to reduce or prevent common oral problems, including tartar and plaque buildup, surface stains, cavities, bad breath, and enamel erosion.
- Xylitol Gum
The good news, you can stuff up your kid’s gift bag with some treats without feeling guilty. We’re not talking about those candy canes or chewy bars. Gums sweetened with Xylitol taste really good, and your little ones would surely love keeping a few in their tiny pouches!
Brushing can be unfeasible at times, so it is always best to slip Xylitol gums every time. Chewing gum after snacks and meals can help stimulate saliva flow and minimize acid. It’s like giving your mouth a quick yet efficient cleanse!
- Sports Guard
Does your friend or family member love indulging in sports? What better way to take care of his dental health than gifting him a mouthguard. It is particularly beneficial for adults and kids who play lacrosse, hockey, soccer, or other strenuous activities that have a higher risk of lacerating their tongue and cracking teeth.
You can choose from different models, but a custom-made sports guard may be suitable. It is comfier and safer to wear, plus you can add embellishments like logos.
- Water Flosser
We do not imply replacing dental floss with a water flosser. But if you feel like going lavish, a water flosser (also called Waterpik) might impress your friend. It is a pressurized stream of pulsating water that gets rid of bacteria, food debris, and plaque buildup beneath the gum line and in between teeth. You may prefer giving it to someone who has crowns, dental implants, or wears braces.
- Travel Hygiene Kit
Know someone who travels frequently? Give the gift of a fashionable travel hygiene kit filled with dental floss, toothbrush, mouthwash, mini toothpaste, bars of soap, and sugarless gum. You can either have a personalized container or buy a reusable travel bag from a local store.
Add other hygiene supplies as you wish, such as toothbrush sanitizer. It conveniently removes leftovers and bacteria behind. Otherwise, the toothpaste tube wringer helps you save money and avoid waste while on travel.
- Pretend Dentist Playset
It is best to teach your children the importance of dental health as early as possible. One way to do this is by giving them a pretend dental playset. Not only will they learn everything about oral hygiene in a fun way, but it will also encourage their creative minds.
The kit may include pretend teeth, toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, examination tools, dry-erase markers, and related tools. Let your child play with other kids as the dentist and patients. This type of activity may likely ease their fears or stress the next time they visit a dentist.
- Oral Health Books
Especially if you and your child always have wartime before going to bed due to difficulty with brushing, books about oral health can bridge the gap by making every session a lot of fun. You can find several books designed to educate and entertain kids at the same time. They incorporate colorful, animated arts, and candid advice along with educational toys.
- Whitening Treatment
This one can be purchased from the dentist or over the counter. The difference between OTC products and a visit from a dentist is the strength and credibility of the product. Getting them with professionally-sealed whitening treatment is safer and more effective, plus wouldn’t it be nice knowing they will remember and cherish you whenever they flash those glossy smiles?
If you’re in last-minute shopping, fresh fruits and raw vegetables are other mouth-healthy gift ideas you can add to your list. They are a wholesome alternative to holiday goodies. Fruits contain fiber and beneficial plant components that keep pearly whites healthy. Being naturally sweet will help fix your unhealthy sugar cravings. This makes pear and apple a healthy stocking stuffer. As for raw veggies, they toughen tooth enamel, protect gum tissue, freshen breath, and wash away bacterial debris from the mouth. Take carrots and celery, for instance.
So, who says buying gifts during holidays should be challenging and time-consuming? Go ahead, grab your wrapping supplies and get those hygiene essentials put to good use!