Filling up stockings during the holidays is the perfect way to give your child small gifts that they might not have expected to receive. Giving your child a healthy, bright smile is one of the best gifts you can give. Does thinking of a healthy stocking stuffer leave you scratching your head? Treats such as candy canes and other sugar treats may seem like the only option. However, from tiny toys and healthy homemade snacks to some tooth-themed ideas, there are a lot more options than you might realize.

Here are some ideas to get your kids excited about taking care of their teeth in the year to come!

What child or adult does love a new toothbrush? If you choose the right toothbrush for your child, they may find it just as exciting as a new toy. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush every three to four months. Starting the year off with an exciting new toothbrush is a great way to get your child interested in the care of his or her teeth.

For younger children, choose a toothbrush that shows one of their favorite cartoon characters. Pick a toothbrush that has a small head and soft bristles, as younger children often have more sensitive gums. In addition, when purchasing the toothbrush, consider the size. It may be a good idea to purchase a brush that is small if they have smaller hands.

Older children are often excited to receive an electric toothbrush in a color that they like. They are more likely to brush if they like their toothbrush and it is their favorite color. Electric toothbrushes are also typically timed at two minutes. This makes brushing a simple way for your child to brush correctly and enjoy the process.

Kids love to receive sweet surprises in their stockings. Why not give them sweets that they will enjoy and are also good for them? Chewing sugar-free Xylitol gum is one such treat. It helps to produce saliva, which can wash away trapped food particles from your teeth. In addition, gum that contains xylitol has been shown to reduce cavities, which makes it an excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in the family.

Is there a cuter stocking stuffer idea than a tooth fairy pillow? Tooth pillows are a perfect stocking stuffer for smaller children who are in the process of losing their baby teeth. They can take their smiling, comfortable pillow to bed with them while they await their next visit from the Tooth Fairy. Many of these pillows even come with a pocket in the back for when your little one hits the sack, that allows the Tooth Fairy to easily find your little one’s tooth.

Exciting new flavored toothpaste and dental floss are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face. There are a lot of intriguing flavors on the market. Toothpaste can be found in flavors such as watermelon, chocolate, strawberry, jasmin mint, and cupcake. If you are looking for something even more unique, you can find bacon, pine, licorice and eggplant toothpaste flavors! Similarly, you can find a lot of different flavors of floss on the market. From dill pickle, ranch, and breakfast, to cranberry, bubble gum, grape, and more, you can definitely find something that will peak your child’s curiosity!

Is your child active in sports? Depending on what sport they participate in, you may want to consider giving your child a mouthguard to protect their teeth. If your child already has a mouthguard, a new style or color can get your child excited about wearing it and will give them something unique to show to their friends. The gift of a new mouthguard will help them continue their good habit of protecting their smile.

You don’t need to eliminate sweets altogether in order to assure that your child is keeping his or her teeth healthy. Instead, consider exchanging sugar packed candies for healthier natural alternatives. Small fruits such as clementines or apples, nuts and dried fruits such as apricots or mangos, granola bars, and popcorn are excellent stocking stuffers.

Does your child have a dental hygiene kit? If not, you can customize a kit to fit in your child’s stocking with a variety of treats such as:

• A small tube of toothpaste
• Flavored floss
• A small bottle of mouthwash
• Flavored lip balm
• A miniature toothbrush
• A compact mirror to check for areas that need flossing
• A foldable reusable cup for rinsing

Reading is an important part of your child’s development. This holiday season, why not give your little one a fun book that encourages them to maintain good oral hygiene habits? Look for a book with positive images about brushing and flossing, the tooth fairy, or trips to the dentist. Books such as “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” or “Daniel Goes to the Dentist” can be great reads for small children. One of these books can be an exciting gift that makes learning about how to care for your teeth a fun experience.