The holidays are right around the corner! If you’re starting to think of gifts or stocking stuffer ideas, we prepared the ultimate guide to make it easy on you. What’s better than giving the gift of a beautiful and healthy smile?
Here are the top stocking stuffer ideas (for all budgets) from your team at Periodontal Health Center:
1. Water flosser/Waterpik®
A water flosser is like a mini power washer for your mouth! A modern flossing solution, water flossers use a gentle stream of pressurized water to clean between teeth and along the gum line.
- Benefits: These devices are highly effective at removing food particles and plaque from teeth and gums, and they’re super easy to use. They help prevent gum inflammation and gum disease, keeping breath fresh and teeth sparkly.
The pulsating action massages the gums, stimulating blood flow and promoting overall gum health. This device is particularly beneficial for individuals with braces, dental implants, or dental work, because it can clean areas where your toothbrush can’t reach and can make oral hygiene maintenance a lot easier!
- Where to get one: Brand name Waterpik water flossers can range anywhere from $40 all the way up to $140. You can also grab one on Amazon for about $25! They’re the perfect practical stocking stuffer for anyone who wants to keep their smile clean and healthy for a lifetime.
2. Pack of Colgate® Wisps
Colgate Wisps are portable, mini toothbrushes prepasted with freshening toothpaste, a freshening bead and soft bristles on one end, with a soft pick on the other end to clean hard-to-reach spaces.
- Benefits: These mini, disposable toothbrushes are super convenient for on-the-go cleaning. They don’t take up much space and fit easily in a purse or bag; they don’t require you to carry toothpaste; they’re perfect for removing food particles between teeth and around the gum line.
You can use one in just a few minutes, then toss it in the trash and enjoy fresh breath and clean teeth! You don’t even have to rinse with water afterward.
- Where to get one: You can buy a pack at Walmart, Target, most grocery stores and drug stores, or online! Amazon sells brand name Colgate wisps (4-pack) for $17, but also sells off-brand alternatives (24-pack) for $20. These are the perfect stocking stuffers for a fresh mouth on-the-go.
3. Electric toothbrush
Does your gift recipient still have a manual toothbrush? If so, an electric toothbrush is the perfect practical stocking stuffer this season!
- Benefits: Electric toothbrushes provide consistent and thorough cleaning, with rapid rotations that can remove more plaque and food particles than manual brushing. They’re gentle, and the rotating bristles are ideal for cleaning spaces that may not be reached with a manual toothbrush.
Studies show that using a powered toothbrush can reduce plaque by 11% in 1-3 months, and 21% in 3 months or more!
Some electric toothbrushes have built-in timers to ensure that you brush for the recommended two minutes and evenly cover all surfaces of your mouth. They can help reduce the risk of gum disease, plaque and bacteria buildup, and some even feature pressure sensors to prevent brushing too hard, which helps prevent receding gums!
- Where to get them: You can find electric toothbrushes almost anywhere, from Walmart and Target to drug stores, grocery stores and a number of websites. Look through this list of ADA-approved electric toothbrushes to help your search! They can range anywhere from $20 to $150 or more, depending on how much you’re looking to spend.
4. Tongue Scraper
Maintaining great oral health is not just about the teeth and gums! It also involves keeping your tongue clean. A tongue scraper is a small tool used to scrape the “film” off of the tongue and remove bacteria from the crevices in the tongue.
- Benefits: Cleaning your tongue helps to remove additional bacteria that you may be missing during your brushing routine. Reducing bacteria in your mouth will help prevent bad breath and bad tastes in the mouth, as well as prevent gum disease, cavities and associated health conditions. Plus, a tongue scraper is small, portable, and easy to hide in a stocking!
- Where to get them: You can find a tongue scraper almost anywhere – at Target, Walmart, CVS and other drug stores, and on Amazon. They range from $2 to $20!
5. A Smile Care Kit
You can create a handy, portable smile care kit for your person’s stocking stuffer! You can use a small bag or container to hold items that your gift recipient can keep on-hand and use throughout the day to keep their smile fresh and clean.
Here are some ideas for your smile care kit:
- A mini hand mirror to check their smile when needed
- A mini toothbrush & toothpaste, or on-the-go Colgate Wisps
- Specialized flossers for a quick after-meal flossing
- Mini mouthwash
- Chapstick or lip balm
You know your child, friend or family member best! Add anything that you think they’ll benefit from throughout the day. Pick out a cute little bag or a sleek monochromatic case for a stylish care package.
Happy Holidays from your team at Periodontal Health Center!
We’re proud to be Tampa and New Port Richey’s premier periodontal practice. All of our doctors are Board-Certified or Board-Eligible, and our entire team is committed to providing highly-personalized care for you and your family. We go above and beyond to earn your trust and happiness!
Learn more about periodontal maintenance, periodontal disease and oral hygiene, or schedule an appointment with us! Happy Holidays!
