3 Braces-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids

With the holiday season right around the corner, you might be scrambling to find the perfect stocking stuffers for all of your loved ones. But if you have a child with braces or know someone who’s undergoing phase 1 orthodontics, you might be stumped as to what to buy for them. Luckily, there are all kinds of stocking stuffers out there that are just as festive as they are braces-friendly! Here are some ideas to inspire you.

1. Exciting Dental Hygiene Products

Who doesn’t love receiving a fancy new device or gadget over the holidays? But this new tech doesn’t always come in the form of a smartphone, tablet, or gaming console – sometimes it’s an electric toothbrush! These have been proven to clean teeth more effectively than traditional brushes, not to mention, that they come in several cool designs and with many unique functionalities. Aside from these, other dental hygiene products can make great stocking stuffers including water flossers, tooth timers, and other dental-themed toys and books. You don’t have to go overboard here and bombard your child with oral hygiene gifts, but at least including one or two in their stocking can help nudge them in the right direction and ensure they’re caring for their smile during their braces journey.

2. Sugar-Free Sweets and Candy Alternatives

The holiday season wouldn’t be what it is without the plethora of sweet treats, baked goods, and tasty festive foods that are meant to be enjoyed. However, many of these items aren’t very braces-friendly – so finding alternatives for your kiddo should be a top priority! Beverages like eggnog and hot cocoa, as well as baked goods, pies, pastries, and most types of candy, can be very problematic. Hard items pose a risk of damaging the braces, but what’s worse is the high amounts of sugar that can lead to decay if left unchecked. Instead, consider filling your kid’s stocking with things like sugarless chewing gum, dark chocolate (which has less sugar content than milk chocolate), or other sugar-free options like nuts or fruit.

3. Refillable Water Bottle

Water is the absolute best beverage for one’s oral health, period. Drinking enough water encourages the natural flow of saliva inside your mouth, which is your body’s primary defense mechanism against tooth decay and cavities. There’s no better way to ensure that your child is drinking enough water than by gifting them a refillable water bottle. If they carry this around with them at school or anywhere they go, it’ll help keep their smile in great shape which in turn benefits their orthodontic treatment.

As long as you’re encouraging your child to practice excellent dental hygiene during the holidays, you’re ensuring that their braces are able to do their job – and sometimes, giving them the right gift is capable of granting them all the motivation they need!

About the Practice

The team at New England Kids Pediatric Dentistry, General Dentistry, and Orthodontics has proudly served patients and families in Auburn and the surrounding community for several years, offering a wide range of services for both children and adults. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the practice to schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone to request additional information. Telephone: (508) 832-6278.