It is the holiday season, and even with 2020 being a little strange, we can all enjoy decorating our homes with our traditional decorations and spending some time with our family. As dentists, we know that from Halloween until Christmas there is a large increase in sugary foods. From Halloween candy to candy canes, brushing and flossing on a daily basis becomes more and more important around the holidays. That is why it is never a bad idea to add a few dental gifts to fill out your holiday stockings.
Stockings are a great way to give a lot of small minor gifts that your kids can enjoy before or after they open larger gifts. It may seem strange to fill out the bottom of the stocking with floss or a toothbrush, but because stockings are already minor gifts, they will still enjoy them, especially if those dental gifts are special. With little kids, you can get them toothbrushes that are their favorite color, have their favorite cartoon characters on them, or even play music. Additionally buying sticker sheets that they can use to decorate their own personal floss canister can help make brushing and flossing fun. Teens can even enjoy the practicality of getting an electric toothbrush. In fact, older teens might even be interested in teeth whitening products. And although these are more cosmetic than practical, it can help your teens put a greater emphasis on making dental decisions that benefit their smiles. Just make sure to look into what teeth whitening products are safest for teens and young adults.
Like we mentioned above, the holidays can be a difficult time for our teeth. Endless mugs of hot cocoa or egg nog taste great but they can erode our teeth. Make sure your kids are brushing and flossing nightly. It’s important especially around the holidays to encourage your kids to adhere to daily routines. The holidays can be very disruptive especially with time off from classes for students. Leading by example can be an effective tool for getting your kids to brush and floss daily during the holidays. Some parents even have dental advent calendars for their kids, so their kids can remember to brush and floss after eating their candy.
All Star Dental has five offices throughout the Chicago area. If you need to schedule a dental appointment for you or your child this winter, please let us know. A member of our team would be happy to answer any of your questions and set up an appointment for you.