You want your child to do well in school, right? You help them do their homework and study, and you make sure they eat a healthy breakfast each day before school. But have you thought about the impact good oral health can have on your child’s academic success? Keep reading to discover how beneficial it can be to establish proper dental hygiene habits at an early age so that they go on to have brighter educational futures.
How Poor Oral Health Can Cause Them to Fall Behind
Each time you must take your child out of school for a dentist’s appointment, you run the risk of them missing vital information that is important to their academic performance.
While your child may view it as a good opportunity to skip out on school for a bit, it ultimately results in a negative impact that is evident through their tests and grades.
According to the American Journal of Public Health, elementary kids, on average, miss six days each school year, two of which are related to dental issues. As a result, one study discovered that as a result of the time missed, the grade point averages of these students were much lower than those who did not miss class.
Why Oral Health Matters
No matter the age of your child, keeping their teeth and gums healthy year-round is essential. While they may be busy with extracurricular activities, sports, or hanging out with friends, the state of their smile is important.
This is why monitoring their morning and nighttime oral hygiene routines as well as keeping their six-month dental checkups and teeth cleanings scheduled are the best ways to ensure they maintain a cavity-free smile.
Yes, injuries can happen that are unexpected, and a toothache can arise even when proper oral hygiene habits are practiced at home, but these are not likely to be the normal reality for most children.
By helping them to stay on top of their dental health, you not only get to see them smile more confidently, but it will also give them a greater chance of succeeding and performing well academically.
If you want to give your child the best chance to enjoy a healthier, longer-lasting smile, make sure that brushing, flossing, and rinsing occur each day. Also, keep healthy food options around instead of those filled with sugars and starches.
Set your child up for the best chance for success by encouraging proper oral hygiene at home.
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar has more than a decade of experience working in the field of dentistry. Leading a team of qualified staff at Archway Dental, she understands children often need help to establish good oral hygiene habits at an early age. This is why she and her team work to provide helpful tips to kids and their parents that will produce positive outcomes at home and school. To learn more about ways you can help your child succeed academically, contact us at (972) 972-4646.