All parents want their children to do well in school. There are numerous different factors that play a role in your child’s academic success. However, one factor that you may not think of is their dental health. The stronger and healthier that you child’s smile is, the more likely they are to do well in the classroom. Continue reading to learn why this is the case and what you can do to ensure that your child is keeping up with their smile.
How Does Oral Health Affect Your Child’s Academic Success?
There are numerous ways that dental health has an effect on your child’s likelihood of success in school. Here are just a few of the most prominent:
Fewer Absences
If your child is dealing with dental issues, they will probably need to be taken out of school more often to have them resolved. The more days of school they miss, the more likely they are to fall behind and receive poor grades. By staying on top of their oral health, your child will be more likely to attend school and do better in the long run.
Fewer Distractions
When your child is experiencing an oral health problem, it’s both inconvenient and can be painful. It’s difficult for them to focus on school assignment and homework when they are dealing with a nagging toothache. By catching issues before they become more serious, you can prevent them from taking a toll on your child’s success in school.
Improved Self-Esteem
It’s not uncommon for children and teens to feel self-conscious. This includes regarding the appearance of their smile. If a child has low self-esteem, they are more likely to distance themselves from other students and even refrain from participating in class. By addressing alignment issues or cosmetic imperfections with their dentist, you can help them to achieve a smile that they feel confident showing off when they are at school.
How Can You Help Your Child Maintain Good Oral Health?
- Ensure that they are brushing twice and flossing once a day. This is crucial for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
- Schedule a dental appointment every six months for a cleaning and checkup for your child. The dental team will remove any lingering plaque and tartar and check for preexisting oral health issues. This way, they can be treated before becoming serious and impacting your child’s academics.
- Encourage your child to eat tooth-healthy foods. Stock up on snacks, like salted almonds, baby carrots, cheese, yogurt, and apple slices. Limit the consumption of starchy snacks and sugary beverages as well.
Dental health affects your child’s grades more than you may think. By using the steps listed above, you can give them the best chance of success!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Youngblood is an experienced children’s dentist who has been working to keep kids’ smiles healthy for 14 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, East Texas Dental Society, and an Affiliate Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child at his office in Center, visit his website or call (936) 427-9070.