The holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re still looking for the right gift or stocking stuffer, you’re in luck. Dental health gifts are a great option if you want something that is useful, affordable, and enjoyable to use. Our Cary dentists are sharing the best dental health gifts to give this holiday season.
Water Flossers Make Flossing a Snap
We all know the importance of flossing your teeth to prevent cavities and keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, flossing can be uncomfortable, and for people with arthritis, tremors, or issues with their hands, it can be difficult and painful. Everyone else – well, we know flossing isn’t exactly fun and not enough people are doing it.
Fortunately, water flossers are an excellent alternative for people who struggle to floss or who simply don’t like it. Instead of string floss, these devices use a pressurized stream of water to get into the difficult to reach areas between teeth and around the gumline to clean away food particles, plaque, and bacteria. While we like the Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser, there are several great options available. Just make sure the option you choose has the stamp of the American Dental Association.
Electric Toothbrushes Are for Everyone
Electric toothbrushes are great for getting in hard to reach areas, removing plaque, and, like water flossers, are easier for people with mobility issues to use. Today’s brushes even have built-in timers letting you know when to switch sides and make sure you’re brushing the recommended amount of time. Even kids like the novelty of using an electric toothbrush!
Of course, with so many on the market, how do you choose the right one to give as a gift? We always recommend making sure the one you purchase meets these guidelines:
- Has the ADA stamp of approval
- Has soft bristles to prevent damage to enamel;
- Offers easy-to-replace heads;
- Is the right size for the person you are buying for; Electric toothbrushes that are too large can be difficult to hold or not reach the back teeth;
The Quip electric toothbrushes are a good option because they have a sleek design that’s easy to hold, have a variety of accessories and bundles, and offer automated supply delivery every three months.
Eco-Friendly Dental Supplies
If you have someone on your list who lives green, a gift set of eco-friendly dental health tools can be a great option. After all, plastic toothbrushes that are thrown out every three months and dental floss that ends up in the trash every day is certainly not sustainable. Fortunately, there are some great options, including water flossers listed above. Create a gift basket to include bamboo toothbrushes, and silk or bamboo (for vegans) dental floss to replace traditional nylon floss, and a toothpaste with natural ingredients, like those from Tom’s of Maine or Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste.
Reusable Water Tumbler
While you may not think of a water bottle as being a dental health gift, drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. It rinses away particles, tap water contains fluoride to remineralize teeth, and it boosts saliva production – all of which are essential to healthy teeth and gums. They are available in a variety of styles and designs, from those with measurements to help track daily drinking to options with bright colors and glitter.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Cary Dentists
Don’t let the busy holiday season get in the way of taking care of your teeth. If you’re due for a dental checkup, schedule an appointment today and give yourself the gift of dental health. Reach us at our Holly Springs dentist office at (919)-600-6262 and our Cary dentist office at (919) 467-2203. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.