Excess sugar can be troublesome for your teeth. This holiday season, the North Carolina Dental Society recommends saying goodbye to tooth decay by gifting your loved ones the generous gift of oral health.
The holiday season is filled with gift giving and get-togethers with friends and family. You‘ll likely be tempted to indulge your sweet tooth in gingerbread cookies, peppermint drinks and decadent chocolates. But, remember excess sugar can be troublesome for your teeth. This candy cane season, the North Carolina Dental Society recommends saying goodbye to tooth decay by gifting your loved ones the generous gift of oral health.
“One of the best ways to improve your oral health is to ensure you and your family have the most effective tools at your disposal,” said Dr. Alec Parker, Executive Director of the NC Dental Society. “This Christmas, add affordable oral care goodies like electric toothbrushes or fun toothpastes to candy-filled stockings so you and your family will maintain bright smiles throughout the year.”
The North Carolina Dental Society suggests these stocking stuffers to keep you and your family’s teeth protected and cavity-free during the holiday season:
- Electronic Toothbrush- Switching from a manual to an electronic toothbrush is an easy way to add renewed energy and excitement to your daily routines. When used properly, electronic toothbrushes help prevent gingivitis and remove plaque. There are many affordable American Dental Association (ADA)-approved options that won’t break.
- Children’s Flavored Toothpaste- Getting your little ones to brush their teeth is no easy task. Sometimes, choosing an ADA-approved flavored toothpaste can make their morning and night brushing routine a lot more enjoyable. Surprise your kids with fun flavors like bubblegum, blue raspberry, strawberry and orange mango. Or, choose a toothpaste inspired by their favorite cartoon character.
- Sports Mouthguard- Spring sports will be here before you know it, and injuries are more common than you think. Ensure any athletes in your family are equipped with mouth guards to protect their teeth from impact. Talk to your dentist about the different types of mouthguards or ask for a custom fit.
- Travel Sets- Traveling for the holidays? Don’t forget your toothbrush! Wrap travel sized toiletry kits, complete with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash and place them in your family’s Christmas stockings.
- Sugar-free Chewing Gum- This Christmas, add sugar-free chewing gum to your kids’ stockings, rather than sugary chocolates and candy canes that will linger on teeth. Sugar-free gum reduces the risk of cavities by increasing saliva and, in turn, reducing plaque acid.
- Whitening Strips- Looking to brighten your loved ones holiday smile? Tie a bow around a teeth whitening kit; but, beware that not all over-the-counter products are made the same. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which ensures the product has been tested and is proven safe and effective for your teeth.
To learn more about selecting safe dental products that will ensure healthy teeth and gums, please visit www.mouthhealthy.org or consult a dentist in your area.
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About the North Carolina Dental Society
The North Carolina Dental Society was founded in 1856 and is one of the oldest dental societies in the country. The NCDS represents 3,900 member dentists in North Carolina. Headquartered in Cary, our mission is to help all members succeed. For more information about the NCDS, visit ncdental.org. The North Carolina Dental Society is a part of the American Dental Association, the nation's largest dental association, representing 161,000 dentist members.