It seems self-care gifts are becoming increasingly popular this season. With many seeking to pamper themselves with products that lead to overall well-being, consider including dental gifts! From whitening kits, sleek electric toothbrushes, water flossers and more, local dentist Dr. Christian Berdy of Berdy Dental Group joined the WJXT Morning Show to share his top recommendations (and which items to avoid). View the full segment here, and continue reading to learn more

Why Choose Dental Gifts for Christmas 

When people think “self-care” – they often think of things like face masks or scented lotion – but self-care can also mean simply creating healthy habits and sticking to them. By caring for your mouth, you’re also caring for your body.

Just think of one of the first things you notice when meeting people – odds are that their smile is the first, or at least in the top three.

At Berdy Dental Group, we know how much a bright, sparkling smile can boost someone’s confidence. So . . . giving someone the tools to improve that smile, and their overall dental health, is an excellent choice for all ages.

Dentist-Recommended Products for Christmas

Since dental hygiene is all about developing a solid routine and sticking to it, the best gifts are ones that make that routine simpler and more effective. In short, look for tools that would get you excited about your routine every morning and night.

If you have parents or grandparents who appreciate an innovative fix, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are a great gift, as they can be used to sanitize bite guards or dentures.

We have several other picks for both major gifts and stocking stuffers. Some of my favorite big gifts include:

Big Gift: Electric Toothbrush

 At Berdy Dental Group, we recommend electric toothbrushes as they provide a deeper clean than manual brushes, and assist with developing a proper brushing technique. Thankfully, there are many great and affordable options on the market today that make awesome gifts.

If you want to go the extra mile with this gift, buy extra replacement brush heads to go with it – since your brush should be changed every three months to avoid bacteria buildup.

Big Gift: Waterpik®  Flosser

A Waterpik flosser is an excellent addition to any dental routine. It’s a great thing to use after brushing to help flush out food bits and bacteria that may not be caught by your toothbrush. It may feel retro, but I assure they are fun to use and make a big difference in oral health for the patients we see. The holidays are a great time to find Waterpiks or similar brands on sale.

Big Gift: Professional Whitening Treatment

If someone you know and love has tried whitening strips or other fads to keep their teeth sparkling, consider gifting a professional whitening session done through a dentist’s office where it can be monitored. Zoom whitening is a fast and effective way to whiten teeth. Using a hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, teeth are whitened in a quick and painless session.

Dental Stocking Stuffers to Buy this Christmas

Stocking Stuffer: Dental To-Go Kit

Things like mouthwash and floss picks not only come in handy for freshening your breath on-the-go, they also help clear bacteria from the mouth after meals. A kit that includes a travel-size mouthwash, floss, and even a foldable brush and toothpaste can really come in handy. Keep it in the car or simply use it for travel. Some companies sell pre-made kits like this, or you could create your own.

Stocking Stuffer: Sugar-Free Gum

While you are throwing chocolate in stockings, be sure to add some sugar-free gum. It not only is good to have around for fresh breath, but  also helps promote saliva production, preventing dry mouth and helping to clean bacteria and food particles out of the mouth.

Stocking Stuffer: Toothbrush Timer or Floss Holders

Most know that you should brush your teeth for two minutes every morning and night, but it can be easy to cut that time short when you can’t tell. Most mini hourglasses are one minute and are the perfect size for a stocking stuffer. Kids can keep it by their toothbrushes and just know to flip it twice when they brush their teeth.

Floss holders make it easier than ever to floss your teeth, and are an inexpensive stocking holder that will make a big difference (and encourage healthy habits).

Dental Gifts to Avoid 

Thankfully, the trend of charcoal-based toothpastes is essentially over, but if you are tempted, leave the putting coal in the stockings to Santa. According to the American Dental Association, it is not effective for adequately cleaning teeth. In fact, it can wear away tooth enamel, which can make teeth appear more yellow.