• Give your dental hygienist a basket of sugar-free gum.teeth image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
  
  If you have a favorite dental hygienist, then you may want to give that person a gift that has a "tooth theme." Dental hygienists have the duty of cleaning and inspecting teeth before a dentist looks at a patient's mouth. Their work requires precision and skill. Encourage your hygienist by buying or assembling a gift that conveys how vital that job's work is to people's health.
  
  

Sugar-Free Gum Basket

• Don't give your dental hygienist tooth-harming candies and drinks full of sugar. Instead, fill a small gift basket with a variety of sugar-free gum in different flavors. You may use a basket that you already have or another kind of container, such as a beach bucket or a clay pot. Purchase packs of sugar-free gum at your local grocery or drug store. Those sweetened with xylitol will be appreciated even more due to its cavity-fighting benefits, as described on Dentist.net. Consider buying unusual flavors, such as tropical pairings, along with traditional flavors, such as peppermint and spearmint.
  
  

Dental Hygienist Apparel

• Purchase apparel specifically designed with a dental hygienist in mind. You can purchase T-shirts and baseball caps from online vendors that specialize in messaging for specific professions. You also may design your own apparel on some websites like CustomInk.com (see the Resources section). Come up with a creative message related to dentistry or select a piece of apparel that already has a customized message. Some examples of messages on items on the CafePress site (see the Resources section) are "Got Teeth? Thank Your Dental Hygienist" and "I Clean Teeth!"
  
  

Christmas Ornament

• Give your dental hygienist a personalized Christmas ornament during the holidays, as shown on FindGift.com (see the Resources section). You can have a name added to the ornament, which will make it that much more special.
  
  

Tote Bag

• If your hygienist is female, get her something that she can use everyday, like a tote bag. Dental Divas (see the Resources section) has four different styles to choose from. Your hygienist can take her tote to work, the beach or any outing where she wants to show off her occupation. She'll think of you every time she uses it.