Santa may soon be stopping by your house, but chances are you still have a few gifts to grab yourself. In your rush to stuff stockings and grab last-minute gifts, you might be tempted to reach for sugary treats like candies and chocolates. There are some compelling reasons to opt for preventive dentist-approved treats, instead, though, particularly if you want to spend 2017 enjoying great oral health! Best of all, you can still elicit smiles from your loved ones, without giving them sugar-filled treats that could lead to cavities and other dental problems.

Got Healthy Stocking Stuffer Ideas?

Stockings tend to be stuffed with sugary treats, but you don’t have to resort to chocolates and candies this year. If you want to give smile-healthy items, consider these children’s dentist-approved alternatives:

• Small toys, games, and puzzles are great for young children. Age appropriate art products or figurines are also fun additions.
• For older kids, make sure their tech gear is decked out by giving them new phone cases, headphones, portable speakers and other high tech products. You could also honor budding talents, with hobby-themed items like guitar picks or drumsticks for a budding musician, or sewing supplies for your future fashion designer.
• Even adults can enjoy healthy items, too, like small tools for the handyman or woman in your life, or cooking gear for your favorite home chef!

Lip balms, hand lotion, and even facial tissues are useful for combatting winter weather, and perfect for all ages. Of course, dental care products are also good ideas, particularly travel-sized items, perfect for those long roadtrips to grandma’s.