Ortho Ideas: 3 Stocking-Stuffers for Kids with Braces

Now that November has arrived and the holidays are just around the corner, it’s time to start making plans for the coming festivities. However, if your child has braces, you may need to adjust your usual traditions to accommodate their orthodontics.

For example, you probably don’t want to fill their stocking this year with sticky taffy or hard candy canes that can damage the brittle metal brackets and wires or cause cavities. With that in mind, continue reading to learn about 3 dentist-approved gift ideas to include, instead, to help preserve your child’s dental health this holiday season!

Idea #1: Electric Toothbrush

Did you know that kids may be more likely to develop cavities and gum disease during orthodontic treatment? This is partly because it can be challenging for them to brush and floss their teeth with braces in place.

You can encourage your child to stick to their twice-daily dental hygiene routine by sneaking a new electric toothbrush into their gift pile. Many stores offer a variety of options with different colors, designs, or characters printed on them to make them more fun and engaging. Others play a tune or have lights to let kids know when they can stop brushing. Whatever option you choose, the automated oscillations of an electric toothbrush can effectively remove more plaque and bacteria than a standard version.

Idea #2: Playing Cards

In our current culture of artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and social media, many youths are spending more time on their phones and other devices. Unfortunately, sources report that an estimated one in six school-aged kids has experienced some type of cyberbullying. That means if your child has braces, there’s a real chance that someone online might judge them for their appearance, mock them, or call them names.

You can encourage more face-to-face interaction with your kid by gifting them with a deck of playing cards this year. You can opt for a more traditional deck or choose one featuring their favorite movie or television characters to put a smile on their face. Then, you can teach them popular games like Go Fish, War, or Crazy Eights and indulge in game-play together.

Idea #3: Movie or Concert Tickets

You can also protect your child’s smile this year by providing exciting new experiences rather than giving them lots of candy and snacks. For instance, you can purchase a gift card to the movie theater so they can see the latest flick with family or friends. You might also find great seats for an upcoming performance by their favorite band or musician, shifting their focus from sugar consumption to lifelong memory-making this season.

Thinking outside of the box and considering your child’s unique passions and personality can help you pick thoughtful stocking stuffers that won’t jeopardize their orthodontic treatment!

About the Practice

At Chicago Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, your child benefits from a team of experts who are eager to help them build and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. With pediatric dentists and an orthodontist in the office, there is no issue too simple or complex for them to address. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver more accurate and comfortable services for long-term results. If your child damages their braces over the holidays, you can request an appointment on the website or call (312) 766-0995.