Doing well in school can help set your child up for a better future later in life, so naturally, you’ll want to do everything you can as a parent to help your little one do well academically. In addition to making sure they have all the supplies they need and are developing the right study habits, you should also make sure that they’re in good oral health. Believe it or not, the state of your child’s smile could have an impact on their grades; your preventive dentist is here to explain how.
How Oral Health Affects Your Child’s Academic Performance
Toothaches and other painful oral health issues can make it difficult for your child to focus. As such, they may find themselves not paying attention as closely as they should in the classroom, which can hurt their academic performance.
Furthermore, when your child has poor oral health, they may end up frequently missing school in order to visit the dentist. Studies have shown that children who miss too many days of school tend to have lower grade point averages. Spending less time in the classroom can be a particularly big problem for children who are still getting the hang of reading and writing.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy
Your child might not always let you know when they’re experiencing tooth pain or other problems with their mouth. As such, in order to protect your little one’s oral health, you need to make sure that they’re seeing the dentist regularly. Having a dental checkup and cleaning performed every six months makes it more likely that dental problems will be caught and dealt with early, thus making it easier for your child to focus on school.
You also need to teach your child the importance of taking care of their smile at home. Make sure that they’re brushing at least twice a day. It’s a good idea to introduce flossing into their oral hygiene routine as well so that they can get rid of plaque in spots that would be hard to clean otherwise. Pay attention to what they’re eating; sugary foods can wreak havoc with oral health if not eaten in moderation.
In short, it will be much easier for your child to have a truly successful school year if they have a healthy smile. It may be a good idea to schedule a back-to-school dental appointment to make sure that your child’s teeth are in the best shape possible before they head back to the classroom.
About the Author
Dr. Krunal Desai went to the New York University College of Dentistry. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His practice, Care 32 Dental of Fort Worth, welcomes patients of all ages and provides children with gentle, reliable dental care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Desai, visit his website or call (817) 741-1300.