Believe it or not, it’s already time for another school year to start. The beginning of this school year might be different from all that have come before it, as many children’s education has become partially or entirely virtual. Still, you want your son or daughter to achieve the highest level of academic success that they can. One way to do that is by ensuring their mouth is as healthy as possible. According to a 2012 study, inadequate oral health can negatively impact a child’s performance in school. Keep reading below as a children’s dentist explains how, and some advice for improving your child’s dental health.
How Dental Health Affects Academic Performance
The study found that dental health problems, such as decayed, broken, or missing teeth, were associated with decreased academic performance and lower levels of psychosocial well-being. Children with these issues missed school more often, had more problems at school, and were less likely to finish all of their assigned homework. Oral health problems were associated with unhappiness, shyness, reduced friendliness, and feelings of worthlessness.
These problems may be due to the fact that kids with dental health issues have to miss school more frequently to visit their dentist. They then miss out on lessons, resulting in lower grades and less completion of their homework. Additionally, children with visible dental problems likely have lower self-esteem because they’re afraid of what other students might think.
The good news is that you can improve your child’s academic success this year by taking some steps to better their oral health.
Tips for Improving Your Child’s Oral Health
Start the school year off right with these tips:
Get Your Child into a Routine
Repetition is crucial for young children to learn basic life skills like oral hygiene. Make sure your little one brushes and flosses at the same time each day, even during the summer and on weekends.
Pack Mouth-Healthy School Lunches
Eating and drinking sugary items increases your child’s risk of cavities. Instead, include foods and drinks that are high in protein and fiber. Some examples include lean meats, cheese, low-fat yogurt, milk, and fresh produce.
Schedule Their Back-to-School Dental Checkup
Kids (and adults) need a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. These appointments let your dentist diagnose early warning signs of oral health problems while they’re still easy to treat. Plus, your child’s teeth can get professionally cleaned just in time for yearbook pictures!
This school year may be different, but that doesn’t mean their oral health should fall by the wayside. Follow these tips to keep their mouth healthy and ensure they do well in school!
About the Practice
At Diamond Hill Dental, we gladly treat patients of all ages, including young smiles. Dr. Fidelito Gabriel and Dr. Saba Abernethy are both highly experienced dentists who provide a variety of treatments for kids, including dental sealants and mouthguards. Dr. Abernethy has even achieved a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about how to improve your child’s oral health this year, visit their website or call their office at 401-333-2700.