Does your little one have braces? Since peppermint bark, caramel popcorn, and other seasonal treats are a big no-no during orthodontic treatment, you naturally might be wondering, “What should I put in their stocking?” Good news: there are lots of braces-friendly stocking stuffers that your child and their orthodontist will approve of. Here are a few!
1. A Polaroid Camera
Polaroid cameras are a great gift because they are small enough to fit inside a stocking and the pictures will show your child first-hand how much their smile is changing. Plus, it’s a present they can use for years to come!
2. Braces-Specific Oral Hygiene Tools
Dental wax, interproximal brushes, and water flossers are a few oral hygiene tools that make life with braces significantly easier. So, while they might not be the most exciting gifts, they will certainly come in handy. To add some pizzazz, try picking a fun color or unique wrapping!
3. An Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are great because they provide a deeper clean, reducing your child’s chances of developing tooth decay throughout their treatment. Even better, many of them have built-in timers to ensure the two-minute brushing requirement is met. You can also make life for you and your little one easier by having the replacement head/bristles delivered automatically every three to four months, saving you a trip to the store!
4. A Large Water Bottle
In addition to keeping your child hydrated, water should be their go-to beverage because it’s sugar-free, won’t stain their teeth, and will help rinse food particles from their brackets, wires, and teeth. One of the best ways to encourage your child to drink water is by giving them a fun vessel. You can pick one in a unique color or one that has their favorite character on it – whatever encourages them to use it!
5. Healthy Snacks
While hard, sticky, and chewy candies need to be passed on this year, there are lots of healthy snacks you can opt for instead so your child doesn’t feel like they are missing out. A few examples include baked apples, thin veggie chips, and soft crackers (like Goldfish).
Don’t worry – the start of orthodontic treatment doesn’t mean the end of fun holidays for your child. With the above stocking stuffers, you can give them something they’ll enjoy and something that won’t harm their braces!
About the Practice
With a pediatric dentist, general dentist, and orthodontist on our team at Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth, we can help your child with all of their dental needs! From their routine checkups to their orthodontic treatment, we can ensure their smile stays healthy, beautiful, and fully functional throughout every step of their life. If you want to learn more about what your child should and shouldn’t eat with braces or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (516) 517-0331.