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6 holiday tips for teeth

’Tis the season to be healthy

The holidays are here! Stay smiling with these easy tips for healthy teeth.

Looking for stocking stuffers? There'sno need to fall back on candy. Consider stocking up on novelty toothbrushes and floss. You can find brushes that light up, play a tune or tell you when they're too frayed to use. Or try unique floss flavors like strawberry, cupcake and bacon.

This winter, keep your kitchen stocked with seasonal favorites. In season from fall through winter, pomegranates, persimmons and grapefruits make refreshing snacks.

There’s nothing like hot cocoa to make keep you warm through the winter holidays. You can enjoy the great taste without the sugar. Just swap out traditional sweeteners with some xylitol or erythritol. These sugar substitutes will keep your cocoa sweet, without promoting cavities.

Turning on a two-minute song is a fun way to make sure you brush long enough. During the holidays, switch it up with something a little more festive. Try short holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells" to keep you brushing and in the holiday spirit.

The season of giving is a perfect time to donate toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to local charities in need. Homeless and women’s shelters are always looking for dental supplies. Or, check out the following organizations

Donate a Toothbrush

Global Dental Relief

America's ToothFairy

Advent calendars are a fun way to count down to Christmas, but 25 days of sweets can take a toll on your teeth. Replace candies with toys or trinkets such as erasers, crayons, plastic jewelry, stickers and temporary tattoos. Or, pick up a countdown calendar that comes with prepackaged toys.