How Good Oral Health Helps Your Child in School

All parents want their little one to do well when they are in school. There are numerous different factors that play a roll in helping your child keep up their grades. One of the things that you probably don’t normally think of is oral health. The healthier your child’s smile is, the more likely they are to do well in their classes. Read on to learn why this is the case as well as what you can do to keep your child’s oral health in excellent shape.

How Does Oral Health Affect Your Child’s Grades in School?

There are numerous ways that oral health can affect your child’s performance in their classes. Here are just a few:

Fewer Absences

If your child is dealing with oral health issues, they will probably need to be taken out of school more often to have them resolved. The more days of school that 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 excel.

Fewer Distractions

When a child is experiencing an oral health issue, it can be both inconvenient and painful. It is difficult to focus on schoolwork when they are dealing with a nagging toothache that won’t go away. By catching issues before they become serious, you can prevent them from taking a toll on your child’s academic success.

Improved Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem isn’t uncommon for kids and teens. Some negative feelings can be brought on by the appearance of their smile if it doesn’t make them feel confident. With low self-esteem, a child is more likely to distance themselves from other students and refrain from participating in class. By addressing alignment issues or cosmetic treatments with their children’s dentist, you can help them achieve a smile that they are comfortable showing off.

What Can You Do to Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Smile?

• Be sure that they are taking the time to brush twice and floss once a day. This is super important to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.

• Schedule your child a dental appointment every six months for a cleaning and checkup. The dental team will remove any plaque and tartar and check for preexisting issues. This way, they can be treated before becoming serious and impacting your child’s education.

• Encourage your child to eat tooth-healthy foods. Stock up on nutritious snacks, like salted almonds, baby carrots, cheese, yogurt, and apple slices. Limit their consumption of starchy snacks and sugary beverages.

Oral health has a bigger impact on your child’s academic success than you may think. By using the tips listed above, you can help them earn the grades they truly deserve!

About the Author

Dr. Megan M. Cercek earned her dental doctorate from the University of Louisville. She is certified in laser dentistry and is a Preferred Invisalign Provider. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, Northern Nevada Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment at her office in Reno, visit her website or call (775) 827-1113.