Travel Toothpaste and Other Healthy Stocking Stuffers

Portable toothbrushes and toothpaste are perfect for your family members who are always on the go. The frequent traveler can replace their existing travel toothbrush and be ready for their next trip. You can also gift disposable flossers or toothbrush covers that they can just toss in their toiletry bag. These products are great gifts every year because you never know when the next vacation, work trip, or sleepover is around the corner.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing toothbrushes every three months. Start the new year by popping a new toothbrush into your family's stockings. Choose toothbrush styles or characters your kids' will love for a personal touch. Then, you don't have to replace them again until March or April.

The holiday season can have just as many sugary treats as Halloween! Instead of giving your family candy in stockings, choose toys or other gifts your family can enjoy. By providing fun toys, gadgets, or crafts, you reduce the temptation to indulge in sugary candy, which increases the risk of tooth decay. Try some of these fun, non-candy surprises:

• Craft supplies
• Small puzzles or puzzle books like Sudoku
• Crayons, pens, pencils, and markers
• Coloring books or painting projects
• Hair and beauty accessories
• Toiletries, such as perfume, bath bombs, shampoo, or bubble bath
• Small toy cars or dolls

If you do want to choose a treat stocking stuffer, give a few packs of sugar-free gum. Sugary gums can increase the risk of dental cavities, so sugar-free is the way to go. The ADA notes that chewing gum after meals and snacks increases saliva flow and reduces the acid that appears as your mouth breaks down food. Remember, toddlers and babies shouldn't have gum because it can cause a choking hazard.

Just like toothbrushes and toothpaste, floss and mouthwash can be great stocking stuffers. You can add a personal touch by choosing mouthwash flavors your kids will love or floss picks for you and your partner to keep in your bags or cars. With floss and mouthwash at the ready, your family can remove plaque, prevent gingivitis, and remove bad breath.

Don't let your family ignore their oral hygiene during the holidays. By giving them these kinds of stocking stuffers, your family can keep up their oral care routines even at the most hectic times.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.