The “most wonderful time of the year” is a potential threat to oral health. All the food and drink you consume at Christmas parties can cause harmful cavities to form in your teeth.
Cavity formation leads to all sorts of dental problems that will hound you long after you’ve popped the champagne and tooted the last party horn.
No one wants to ring in a new year with a toothache or swollen gums. Fortunately, you can prevent such oral health problems by taking a proactive approach to oral hygiene.
This year, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of good oral hygiene. Consider these thoughtful and helpful products to keep the breath fresh and teeth sparkling.
Dental and Oral Problems and the Holiday Season
Sugar has always been the most significant cause of oral health problems, especially with children.
Sweet treats are considered highlights of the yuletide season. Unfortunately, many of our holiday favourites are made from and with sugar.
Many popular Halloween and Christmas candies promote tooth decay because of their high sugar content. Candy canes, for example, are made of 75 percent sugar and 25 percent corn syrup.
Dentists and orthodontists will typically advise you to come in for a dental check-up after the holidays. After weeks of eating all that rich, delicious food, a dental check-up is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
The good thing is you don’t need to wait until after January 1st to ensure that you don’t get a new cavity or see signs of plaque buildup. The products described below can help maintain good oral health in this season of giving.
Dental Hygiene Gifts
You won’t find dental hygiene gifts on your typical Christmas shopping list. Still, they make fantastic presents because they’re both thoughtful and practical.
At a time when feasting is the main order of business, your recipient will be glad to have one of these dental hygiene gifts to keep tooth decay at bay.
Electric Toothbrush
Many of us don’t brush our teeth properly when using a manual toothbrush.
Aggressive brushing can lead to premature gum recession. Being overly gentle won’t remove plaque buildup that causes gum disease.
An electric toothbrush is a great way to get the right amount of pressure required to remove plaque without ending up with gum bleeds. It comes with all kinds of bells and whistles, including built-in timers and different types of vibrations and rotations.
Travel Bag with Dental Essentials
A dental travel kit is great for that friend or family member who is always on the go.
This thoughtful gift idea need not be expensive either. All you need to do is purchase a nice, compact toiletry bag and fill it with a mini toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and travel toothbrush.
Your jet-setting recipient will never be without their oral health supplies ever again.
Teeth Whitening Kits and Whitening Treatments
Whitening treatments can help give your loved one a big confidence boost while heading into the new year. There are certainly plenty of options out there to fit different budgets.
You can buy store-bought whitening strips, place them in a box and wrap it up nicely. Or you can purchase a round of professional whitening treatments from a reliable dental clinic.
Fancy Toothpaste
An extra special package of toothpaste will suit the giftee who loves the small things in life.
Look for a toothpaste that has an unexpected but yummy flavour or one that comes in a fancy bottle.
If you have a budget-conscious friend or family member on your gift list, a toothpaste tube wringer is a great way to avoid waste and save money.
Water flossers
A water flosser is an oral hygiene tool that utilizes a powerful stream of water to dislodge particles from between your teeth. It’s a great way to keep up with daily flossing.
Little ones still learning the flossing technique will find it easier to use a water flosser. Teenagers with braces will find it more comfortable and less painful on teeth. Seniors who may not be as nimble as they once were will find it easier to handle and manipulate, even with those stiff fingers.
Dental Check-up Gift Cards
You’ll find gift certificates for all kinds of products and services. Massages, pedicures, facials, restaurants – you name it! Yet, somehow, we never think of giving someone a free dental check-up.
There’s bound to be that one person on your list whose dental visit is long overdue. A dental check-up gift card shows that you want the recipient to enjoy the benefits of professional dental care.
Gifting someone with a free check-up or cleaning will make them feel that you genuinely care about their dental health.
Protect Your Teeth During the Holiday Season
Brush your teeth constantly
Regular teeth brushing can remove food particles that could turn into cavities.
Check the food that you eat
Avoid crunchy food such as nut brittle because it can really damage your teeth. You should also avoid teeth-staining drinks like coffee and wine.
Plan ahead for parties
It’s easy to avoid sugary treats at home. Not so much when you’re out and about. So, decide on how many sugary treats you’re going to eat. When you arrive, follow your plan rather than loading your plate.
Give yourself a treat and schedule an appointment with Dentistry on 7th to learn more about how you can protect your dental health this holiday season.
Pro-Tip
“See your dentist at least once every six months as part of your oral hygiene routine.”
– Dentistry on 7th
Dental Essential Gifts this Holiday Season
The holidays are always a time for feasting and fun. However, too much of that rich food and sweet beverages could adversely affect our dental health.
It is crucial to take a proactive approach to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Have a plan in place to protect and preserve your pearly whites when eating out. It will make it easier for you to navigate the countless office parties, family dinners, and neighbourhood potlucks and not be tempted.
There is no greater gift than contributing to a friend or family member’s health and wellness. So give the gift of good dental hygiene by purchasing any of the above gift suggestions.
Dentistry on 7th in Hamilton, Ontario, is a family-friendly clinic. It offers professional dental services performed by experienced dentists in Hamilton, Ontario.
You can find detailed information on the clinic’s services on their website.
FAQs on the Holiday Gift Guide for Gifts to Promote Oral Hygiene
What are the signs of poor oral hygiene?
Tooth pain, bleeding gums, and alterations on the tongue are just some of the common signs of poor oral hygiene.
What causes poor oral hygiene?
Several different factors result in poor oral hygiene. An unhealthy diet high in sugar, smoking tobacco, and the regular consumption of alcohol all contribute to smelly breath and cavity-filled teeth.
How do you know if your teeth are rotting?
See your dentist if you discover brown or black spots on the surface of a tooth, have a persistent toothache or feel a jolt of pain when eating hot or cold foods. Pain, discoloration, and food sensitivity are all signs of rotting teeth.