Everyone wants their child to be successful in life. This can start by doing well in their studies. There are all sorts of factors that play a role in helping your child earn the grades that they’re hoping for. One of the things that you may not think of is their oral health. The healthier your child’s smile is, the more likely they are to do well in their classes. 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?
There are several different ways that oral health has an effect on your child’s ability to do well in school. Here are just some of them:
Fewer Absences
If your child is dealing with one or more dental problems, it’s likely that they will 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 in the curriculum 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 your child is experiencing an oral health problem, it can be both inconvenient and painful. It’s difficult for them to focus on school assignments and homework 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.
Improved Self-Esteem
It’s not uncommon for kids and teens to feel self-conscious. This includes the appearance of their smile. 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 in their teeth 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 Maintain a Healthy Smile
Here are some steps to help your child keep up a healthy, happy smile:
- Make sure that they are brushing twice and flossing once a day. This is crucial to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
- Schedule your child regular cleanings and checkups every six months. Their dental team will remove plaque and tartar as well as check for existing oral health 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 snacks, like salted almonds, baby carrots, cheese, yogurt, and apple slices. Limit the consumption of starchy snacks and sugary beverages.
Dental health has a huge impact on your child’s academic performance. By using the tips listed above, you can help them maintain a healthy smile and keep their grades up!
About the Practice
At D’Andrea and Pantera, DMD, PC, we have a team of four skilled dentists serving the Hamden community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need conveniently under one roof. For more information about children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit our website or call (203) 288-0951.
