Do you feel overwhelmed by trying to figure out unusual gifts for the family every holiday season? If you’re tired of the same ideas, but don’t know what else to give—have you thought about dental inspired gifts? We’ve compiled a list of our top eight gift ideas for dental health for everyone on your list.
Stocking Stuffers:
Toothbrush: This seems like a boring one I know, but hear me out. The American Dental Association recommends that a person should change toothbrushes every three to four months. Does anyone in your family actually do this? When you think about what kinds of bacteria might linger on your loved ones’ toothbrushes…it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea anymore. If you have children who are just learning how to properly brush their teeth—make it a game and get a fun timer to help teach them how long they should be brushing (two minutes!). Healthy teeth are a gift that keeps on giving.
Floss: There are all kinds of floss (and flavors) that you can find a type to fit each family member. Flossing is an important part of an oral health routine, but is often left off. Remind your loved ones to take full care of their teeth and slip some floss into their gift. After all, socks are a frequent and useful holiday gift, so why not introduce floss as part of the regular practical gift giving process?
Travel Dental Kit: Whether your spouse or child is traveling for work, school or pleasure, being prepared on that first night away is a welcomed gift. You remember that time you were getting ready for bed, went to grab your toothbrush and toothpaste from your luggage, only to find that you forgot to buy travel toothpaste and to pack your floss. At that moment—it’s too late. Prepare your loved ones for travel now—then reap the benefits with texts and calls of appreciation later.
Travel Mug—With a Straw: Aside from the convenience of a travel mug, the straw protects teeth from being stained by coffee, tea, soda and other dark-colored beverages. It also helps protect from sugar that can erode the enamel on teeth. With all the different styles out there, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for each family member—and sneak in extra care for their teeth.
Gifts:
Electric Toothbrush: A power tool for the teeth! It might not be as much fun to use as other power tools, but it’s an important one—especially for those who have a harder time grasping a manual toothbrush. The power tool aspect can make the process seem less of a chore and more fun and therefore encourage your loved one to brush for longer and more regularly.
Water Flosser: Another dental tool—but this time, for flossing. If your loved one is being stubborn about flossing (it hurts, it causes bleeding, etc.), you might try getting them a water flosser. It also can be an easier option for your child if they have braces. It’s a fun way to incorporate flossing back into an oral health routine that doesn’t hurt and isn’t difficult.
Teeth Whitening: Whether you purchase an in-home kit from your dentist or have it done in-office, sprucing up a smile is always a welcomed gift. When people are self-conscious about their smiles, it bleeds into their general quality of life. Give the gift of a whiter smile and a confidence boost and you see bigger and brighter smiles.
Discount Dental Plan: Give the gift of oral health! While not an insurance plan, a discount dental plan offers discounted rates at participating providers. This will allow more affordable options for things like regular cleanings and encourage whomever you gift this to take care of their dental health. If they need a more expensive procedure, such as a crown, they would have coverage that reduces their out-of-pocket costs. Many discount dental plans also offer some coverage on elective services, such as teeth whitening, which not all tradition dental plans cover.
We know the holidays are so busy between time with family, baking cookies, holiday shopping, and more. No matter what your budget, you will be able to find dental gifts for the whole family from our list to make gift giving easy.