Everyone wants their child to be successful in life, and that starts with doing well in school. There are all sorts of different factors that play a role in helping your child earn good grades. 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 performance in school. Here are a few of them:
Fewer Absences
If your child is having dental problems, 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.
Less 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 Have a Healthy 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 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 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 Cove Choice Dental, there is a team of experienced dentists that bring years of skills and expertise to the practice. They treat Copperas Cove patients of all ages in an easy-going, yet professional dental environment. They would be happy to help your child get on track with their dental health. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit their website or call (254) 987-6777.