Every parent out there wants their child to do well in school. Doing so can help to give them a head start once they reach adulthood. There are numerous factors that play a role in your child’s academic success, but one thing you may not think of is their dental health. The healthier your child’s smile is, the more likely they are to earn good grades. Continue reading to learn why this is the case and what you can do to ensure that your child is keeping up with their dental health.
How Does Oral Health Affect Your Child’s Academic Success?
Fewer Absences
If your child is dealing with oral health issues, it’s likely that they will need to be taken out of school more often in order 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 excel while throughout the semester.
Fewer Distractions
When your child is experiencing a dental problem, it can be both inconvenient and painful. It’s difficult for both children and adults to focus on assignments and tasks when they are dealing with a nagging toothache. By catching issues before they become serious, you can prevent them from taking a toll on your child’s success in school.
Improves Self-Esteem
It’s common for kids and teens to feel self-conscious. This includes the appearance of their smile. After all, it is a time of growth. When a child has low self-esteem, they are often times 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 achieve a smile that they’re confident to show off when they’re in the classroom.
How to Help Your Child Keep Their Smile Healthy
- Encourage your child to brush twice and floss once a day. This is crucial to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems.
- Schedule 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.
- Stock up on snacks like salted almonds, baby carrots, cheese, yogurt, apple slices, and other tooth healthy foods. Limit the consumption of starchy snacks and sugary beverages.
Oral health issues shouldn’t be getting in the way of your child’s education. By using the tips listed above, you can help them to maintain a heathy smile and achieve academic excellence!
About the Author
Dr. Kyle Williams earned his dental doctorate from the University at Buffalo in New York and has completed extensive training in oral surgery, anesthesia, cosmetic dentistry, and endodontics. Currently, he is an active member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. For more information on children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Columbia, TN, visit his website or call (931) 236-2141.