Dental Health Stocking Stuffers!

Children’s Christmas stockings are usually filled with small toys and candy left by Santa! This year, we here at Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry suggest filling stockings with more mouth-friendly items! Leaving small toys is still a great idea but we recommend also leaving items that will improve your child’s dental health rather than harm it!

Oral Health Stocking Stuffers

Below are a few fun dental hygiene items to include in your child’s Christmas stocking:

• Sugar-Free Gum – Instead of sticky, chewy candies or sugary candy canes, consider adding a pack or two of sugar-free gum. We suggest finding sugar-free gum using Xylitol as a sweetener. This is because Xylitol has been shown to reduce the risk of dental cavities. Chewing gum also stimulates the production of saliva, which washes away harmful acid and balances the pH levels in the mouth.
• Toothbrush – Toothbrushes for the whole family should be replaced every 3-4 months or when the bristles start to fray. Christmas is a great time for your child to receive a new toothbrush with his or her favorite television character, superhero, or Disney princess.
• Toothpaste – Instead of boring mint, find a fun new flavor or toothpaste for your child! They can come in so many flavors these days, including cupcakes, chocolate, black licorice, and even bacon! As long as the toothpaste has the ADA seal of approval, it will be effective in cleaning teeth.

All of us here at Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry want to wish your family a happy and healthy holiday season! Winter break is also a great time to make a dental appointment for your children to receive a dental cleaning and exam! This way they won’t need to miss any school!

To make an appointment for your children, please contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry located here in Greensboro, North Carolina.