As the holiday season gets closer you may find yourself searching for a gift for that certain someone. Since eating cookies and candies are ineveitible this time of year, why not give them something that will help them keep their teeth and gums healthy in the upcoming new year? This may sound kind of boring, but just think, if you give your loved one a smile they have always wanted, they will be grateful for a lifetime. What could be better than that? Dr. Joy Lunan suggest giving one or more of the following this year:

For the child in your life, try giving a bucket filled with kid sized toothbrushes and a few children’s toothpastes. You can add a towel with their favorite cartoon character or super hero and maybe even some tiny soaps. This should help to encourage them to make the trip into the bathroom each night for their pre-bedtime clean up. 

A teen may be more inclined to do a better job caring for their teeth with a powered toothbrush. They make brushing fun and some even play music as you clean your teeth. Try to include some plaque disclosing tablets also. These tablets are sold over the counter in any drugstore. They are a learning tool to be used after your teen brushes and flosses. They are chewed up and what is left is a red stain that clings to any plaque that has been missed. The plaque that is left behind on a regular basis can harden and turn into tartar. At this point tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. You can never go wrong giving a teen sugar-less gum too. 

Adults will make good use of a gift basket including toothpastes, toothbrushes and dental floss. Toothpastes are available in pumps, tubes, gels or pastes. There are types for plaque and gingivitis control, tartar and sensitivity and even for whitening teeth. If you know someone that likes to travel, include a travel sized toothpaste. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, so now is a good time to get your loved one stocked up for the new year. Dr. Lunan recommends an extra soft bristled one. Dental floss is the final tool used in keep our mouths clean fresh. It helps remove plaque and debris that collect in between the teeth and under the gums. It comes in waxed or unwaxed and both types are effective. Why not include both?

Maybe you know someone that has a hard time using the floss. Perhaps they have large hands, or lack the dexterity to get to the hard to reach places. In this case, consider a water flosser. Water flossers a great tools that can make flossing more convenient and enjoyable. They are thin, wand like tools that spray water into your mouth. All one has to do is guide the water to the correct places throughout your smile.

A teeth whitening treatment is a great idea for someone looking for that brilliant and radiant smile. If someone on your gift list is unhappy with their disclored teeth, this is a must have. Whitening strips can be purchased over the counter, or at-home and in-office treatments can be purchased in Dr. Joy Lunan’s dental office. 

Braces, or orthodontic treatment, is a great way to treat someone to that straighter smile they may have been wishing for. A gift card giving them a portion of the fees may be something to think about. 

So maybe these gift ideas don’t sound as boring as you though. If you would like any help deciding which oral health care products would best benefit your love don’t hesitate to give Dr. Lunan a call.  We look forward to helping you!  (203) 598-7920  www.middleburydentist.com