Chocolates. Biscuits. Sweets. Tea. Coffee. Red wine.
They’re all popular gifts that we give to our friends and family at Christmas; indulgent and thoughtful treats, guaranteed to be a hit. But there’s just one problem…
They’re also bad for oral health.
High in sugar and packed with tannins, such gifts can have a significant negative impact on the health and appearance of the recipient’s teeth.
Nobody wants to be a killjoy at this time of year, and we definitely don’t want you to deny your nearest and dearest their favourite festive treats. But alongside that delicious box of chocs, why not buy them something tooth-friendly as well? Dental gifts can be a great option for both kids and adults alike. And here we suggest a few ideas that are bound to put a smile on their face.
Dental gifts for children
1. Novelty toothbrush
Getting kids to brush their teeth can be a struggle at the best of times – let alone at Christmas! But with all the festive treats, their sugar intake is likely to be higher than usual. And no matter how excited they are or how tired they may be, it’s more important than ever for them to brush twice daily.
A novelty toothbrush can be a great incentive. From Disney princesses to Marvel superheroes, there are plenty of fun character-themed designs to choose from – all of which make a fantastic dental gift for children and will encourage them to maintain their dental health.
2. Tooth brushing timer
To prevent tooth decay, it’s recommended that you brush for at least two minutes.
Two minutes can seem like a very long time for children and it’s easy for them to get bored. So why not make the process of brushing a little more entertaining with a novelty timer?
Again, there are many options available. Keep things simple with a bright hourglass sand-timer. Or treat them to a musical TV character or light-up device, which can guide them through a 2-minute quadrant cleaning technique. Either way, this is a brilliant dental gift idea that will ensure their teeth stay healthy.
3. Dental toys
No doubt they already have lots on their wish list to Santa. But if your child suffers from dental anxiety, a great option is to treat them to a dental-themed toy.
From Play-Doh to Playmobil®, you’ll find lots of creative and affordable options online. Not only are these a fun way to teach your child the importance of dental care, they can also help to develop a positive association with the dentist and ensure they’re less apprehensive about their next visit.
Dental gifts for adults
1. Electric toothbrush
Let’s face it, a toothbrush isn’t something likely to elicit a gasp of excitement when it’s unwrapped. But it is something useful – a dental gift that will keep on giving throughout the year – and can have a real positive impact on the dental health of the recipient. So it’s bound to be well received!
Our recommendation is the Icy Bear Sonic Whitening Toothbrush.
Professionally developed by our principal dentist, Dr Hanna Miraftab, this uses advanced sonic technology and 40,000 brush strokes per minute to create a powerful cleaning action. It also has a ‘whitening’ mode, helping to brighten and whiten the teeth after all those festive treats!
2. Teeth whitening kit
This is the perfect stocking filler for anyone passionate about their smile.
A home tooth whitening kit is a great way to minimise the impact of festive celebrations (including those cheeky glasses of mulled wine!) and create the sparkly white smile of their dreams. And the ultimate gift duo for 2021 includes Icy Bear Diamond Dust Toothpaste and Whitening Strips.
These are unique, cutting-edge products that have been featured in Hello!, Closer, House of Coco, Platinum Magazine and more. And when used in combination, they’re fast-acting and effective.
An affordable way to treat your loved one to diamonds this Christmas!
3. Cheese hamper
If you’re stuck for gift ideas, fancy chocolates are an easy and fail-safe option. But as leading family dentists, we can’t help but think about the high sugar content of those chocolates – and the effects we know they can have on the health and appearance of your teeth.
So, rather than reaching for a box of supermarket truffles, why not treat them to a cheese board instead? Not only is cheese free from sugar, it’s also great for neutralising acids in the mouth and can help to protect the teeth from enamel erosion. And, of course, it’s super tasty!
A win-win gift that’s bound to go down a treat on the big day.
Prioritise dental health this Christmas
Dental gifts certainly aren’t the most exhilarating or desirable option. And we 100% agree, absolutely everyone deserves a sweet treat in their stocking this Christmas. But hopefully, here we’ve given you a little inspiration, to help balance out the sugar with some tooth-friendly alternatives!
Kiln Lane Dental will be open over the festive period. So if you have any questions about how to maintain your oral health throughout the celebrations, or would like to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can either give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlnedental.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.