Are you having a hard time deciding on holiday gifts for close friends and family this year? If so, consider giving the gift of oral health! While it might sound like an unusual choice, the fact is that there are many dental hygiene products that can significantly improve the oral health of your loved ones, and many times these are not items that they would buy for themselves. Consider adding any or all of the following to your holiday shopping list this year.
- An electric toothbrush – Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes generally do a better job than manual brushes in removing food particles and reducing the risk of tooth decay. There are a variety of brands and styles available. If you’re buying one as a gift, choose one with a smaller brush head to make sure it will be comfortable for the person to use. And consider buying an additional brush head as well, since they should usually be replaced every few months.
- A water flosser – If your friend or family member is at a higher risk for developing gum disease, or has had gum disease in the past, a water flosser is an excellent gift choice. Although these devices can make a huge improvement in gum health, many people hesitate to spend the money to buy one for themselves, so getting one as a gift should be much appreciated by the recipient.
- An oral health travel kit – If your loved one travels a lot, consider putting together an oral health travel kit for him or her. Include a toothbrush with a holder/case, travel-sized toothpaste, a small bottle of mouthwash, and floss and/or floss picks. Combine all of them in a handy plastic case that fits easily into an overnight bag or suitcase.
- A mouth guard – This is an excellent choice for anyone on your list who plays sports or engages in any kind of physical activity that might result in damage to the teeth. Mouth guards come in a variety of styles, but when you’re buying one for someone else, its best to choose a “one-size-fits-all” style that can be molded to a custom fit for the wearer. Your dentist might carry these, but if not, you should be able to find them in most sporting goods stores.
If you think giving a gift related to oral health sounds like an odd choice, think again! Many of these gift ideas not only contribute to the oral health of the person who receives them; they are also useful gifts that a person might not think of (or be willing) to buy for himself/herself. And what better gift could you give to someone you love than the gift of better oral health?
