Stocking Stuffers That Won’t Give Your Kids Cavities!

Kids love Christmas – seeing their faces light up when they see all the presents underneath the tree is a precious moment. But with all the candy and sweet treats floating around the holidays, you might be hesitant to pack their stockings full of the traditional stuffers.

Fortunately, your kiddo can still enjoy the thrill of finding a few extra surprises at the bottom of a giant sock! Keep reading for a list of dentist-approved stocking stuffers that won’t ruin their oral health.

A Fun Toothbrush

Gifting your child – or anyone for that matter – a toothbrush probably sounds like a lame idea. Don’t scroll past this option just yet! There are plenty of fun toothbrushes on the market, especially for kids. See if you can find a brush with their favorite cartoon character on it, or an exciting, high-tech electric model that plays music. With toothbrushes like these, oral hygiene will feel like less of a chore.

Sugar-Free Gum

Believe it or not, chewing gum can be good for your child’s teeth. As long as it’s sugar-free, that is! Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps keep smiles squeaky clean and neutralizes bacteria acids that could lead to cavities. Pick up a pack of their preferred flavor – or two.

Tooth-Friendly Snacks

The holidays just aren’t the same without some sweet treats. Hard and sticky candies aren’t very tooth-friendly, as they can cause dental damage or prolonged sugar exposure. Chocolate, though, is a different matter! Dark chocolate contains bacteria-fighting polyphenols and gum disease-preventing antioxidants. The darker the chocolate, the better, so nuts and cheese might be better for picky eaters.  

The Gift of Reading

Books aren’t strictly related to your child’s teeth, unless you think they would enjoy an age-appropriate dental read. Whether you go for a pearly white themed story or not, books are a fun gift that will help their development. You can also use their new story as a way to spend some nightly quality time with them by reading out loud. Such a personal experience will stay with them forever!

There are plenty of ways to skirt around candy-stuffed stockings if you’d rather your child avoid developing cavities before New Year’s. In fact, your dentist might have a couple of treats in mind for this exact situation. So don’t hesitate to pick their brain for more ideas!

About the Author

Dr. Ramu Vuppala has over 20 years of experience in dentistry and has several impressive certifications and professional affiliations. He focuses on providing personalized care for his patients, so if your little one needs some extra help with avoiding holiday cavities, he can provide advice specific to their needs and preferences. To contact Dr. Vuppala’s office, call 432-520-5437.