Dental health during the holidays

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kimberly Fowler
  • 48th Dental Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England - --  It's that time of year again, when a frosty chill is in the air and thoughts turn to the upcoming holidays.

As you plan your Christmas list and try to think of perfect presents for each person, maybe you should think of something out of the ordinary. With all the candy canes and festive desserts that the holiday season entails, your dental health may be the last thing on your mind.

For children, instead of a stocking stuffed full of chocolates and hard candy, a cute toothbrush or dental products with a child's favorite character can make a great gift that will be useful and fun! Electric toothbrushes can come with a range of cartoon characters, bright colors and stickers that allow the child to customize the toothbrush with their name and interests, and make it their own. There are musical and light-up varieties that help a child know how long to brush. Other useful gifts could include a fluoride mouth rinse, toothpaste in tasty flavors like bubblegum or watermelon, floss picks that come in many fun shapes like dinosaurs, a sports mouth guard and chewing gum (xylitol or sugar-free) that can actually improve the health of teeth.

For adults, thoughtful dental gifts could include an electric toothbrush for the person that dislikes manual brushing. Dental gifts can also be fun for adults. Toothpaste and floss now come in flavors ranging from bacon and pickle to chocolate and café au lait. For the traveler in your life, small travel sizes of toothpaste and floss can come in handy, as well as toothbrush holders or folding toothbrushes. Chewing gum with xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar that helps control oral bacteria, is a great addition and can blend in with the more commonly seen candy stocking stuffers. Keep in mind that any dental gift bearing the American Dental Association seal of approval is a good choice.

For everyone, a few simple tips during the holidays can help keep your teeth healthy under the constant barrage of sugary drinks and snacks that are so readily available during the holidays.

· Keep the sugary drinks, such as eggnog and punch, to a minimum.
· Do not snack and sip all day long and into the evening.
· Try to keep your toothbrush and floss handy so that busy holiday schedules and travel do not disrupt your dental routine.
· Remember to enjoy sweet treats in moderation.

It is easy to forget about keeping teeth healthy during the constant bustle of the holidays. If you take the time to brush and floss following your holiday indulgences, you will have your teeth for many more holiday seasons. Making some small exchanges in stocking stuffers and gifts can help others remember to take care of their teeth. With these ideas in mind, maybe you can help give someone a brighter smile this holiday season.