If you're wondering what to get for the person who has everything, why not choose a practical present? Dental gifts that help people to look after their teeth are a handy gift idea for all ages, so they can have a smile to be proud of in the New Year.
Whether you're shopping for your kids, partner, relatives, friends or a Secret Santa, you can't go wrong giving these dentist-approved gifts.
1. Electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes don't necessarily give a better clean than manual toothbrushes, as long as you're brushing correctly, but many people prefer them or find them easier to use.
If you know someone who could benefit from going electric, but who wouldn't ever get around to buying one for themselves, an electric toothbrush can be a useful gift for adults or children alike (over the age of three).
Electric toothbrushes for kids are available in appealing designs and can play sounds or music to encourage them to brush for the correct amount of time. Some feature pressure sensors to alert the user if they're brushing too hard, which can damage teeth and gums.
If you do buy an electric toothbrush, check that it comes with several replaceable heads. The brush head should be changed every three months (or after an illness), just like a regular toothbrush.
2. Water flosser
Flossing once a day is an important supplement to toothbrushing, but one that many people skip. If you don't floss, the gaps between your teeth will never be properly cleaned and could be a breeding ground for plaque, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
If you know someone who's resistant to floss – but whose breath tells you they need it – an electric water flosser can be easier for beginners than string floss. With adjustable pressure settings, these flossers squirt jets of water onto teeth to wash away leftover food and bacteria from hard-to-reach spaces.
3. Tooth pillow
Loosing teeth can sometimes be a difficult experience, but you could help to ease a child's fears with a cuddly tooth toy or pillow. Usually designed like friendly teeth, these have a pocket where your child can put their tooth when it falls out, checking again in the morning to see if something else has been left in its place.
4. Dentist toys
Getting children used to visiting the dentist from an early age for their regular check-ups can mean they're less likely to skip appointments or suffer from anxiety when they grow up. One way to associate dental visits with positive experiences is through toys such as dentist kits, letting your little ones play dentist on their toys and learning why caring for teeth is important.
5. Teeth whitening voucher
For adult friends and family who take care of their teeth but complain about stains, consider booking them in for a teeth whitening consultation with a dentist you trust. This will give them the information they need to decide whether the treatment is right for them, or if they'd prefer another cosmetic option to make their smile look the way they want.
Need a dentist in Brisbane?
If you want to talk to a dentist about appropriate gifts or to book a check-up and clean, get in touch with our teams at Swish Dental today.
Call our dentists in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton dentists on (07) 3354 3341.