5 Holiday Gifts Your Dentist Will Approve of: Cool Toothbrushes, Invisalign & More

The best gifts also often serve a purpose. No doubt we like to indulge in the whimsical, and sometimes its difficult to find just the right gift for a picky person, but that doesn’t mean that the gifts we give can’t contribute to someone’s personal improvement – a book to encourage critical thinking; a tablet to promote learning; or a toothbrushing game for a youngster to facilitate dental hygiene. If dental health is on a loved one’s wish list this year, here are some dentist-recommended ideas to brighten not only their holidays, but also their smiles!

1. For the young’uns: A brushing companion

Good dental hygiene starts early in life, and the habits parents encourage early on (good OR bad!) may last a lifetime. Brushyball sings and instills great dental hygiene habits in an entertaining and interactive way that’ll make the kids beg to brush their teeth. Check out brushyball.com for details.

2. Take the “eek” out of flossing

Daily flossing isn’t exactly an enjoyable activity, but skipping this essential part of dental hygiene isn’t really an option, either, for those who want to keep their teeth in tip-top shape. Part of the problem with traditional floss is the taste…it just isn’t very appealing. Minty freshness is fine and all, but more often than not the floss coating leaves a yuck aftertaste. So here’s an idea for a fun stocking stuffer: Cocofloss! That’s right – there’s a floss that tastes like coconut and will make you feel like you’re on a Caribbean island vacation. Find out more at cocofloss.com.

3. Straighten them out with Invisalign

Clear aligners are basically invisible, but they produce some of the most visible results ever. The most trusted name in teeth straightening is still Invisalign because, well, they were the original inventors of clear aligners and have been at the forefront of advancements and improvements in the decades since. Invisalign clear aligners are actually pretty affordable, too, because there are lots of financing options and payment plans available. Check Invisalign.com to find an Invisalign dentist by zip code. Talk about the gift of a lifetime! (Yep, it literally lasts a lifetime)

4. Brighten their smile

Here’s another one that can deliver quite dramatic results. Gift the gift of brilliantly white teeth. Did you know that surveys show that lots of us wish they could improve their smiles? It’s actually on the top of the wish list for many of us, yet we are reluctant to invest in ourselves. Seems too indulgent, doesn’t it? So what better way to show you care than to give them something they really, really want – whiter teeth!

5. Fill the void

Did you know? Tooth loss is a serious issue in the United States. Statistics show that 178 million of us are missing at least one tooth. Odds are, someone you love suffers from tooth loss and the embarrassment and low self-esteem that come with it. Consider gifting a dental implant if you know someone who struggles with one or more missing teeth. It can make a world of difference for someone you care about.

Dental gifts are certainly not the sexiest or most romantic presents to give. They can, however, have a lasting and life-changing impact in the life of a loved one. Happy holidays!