As a parent, it’s only natural to want your child to succeed in everything, especially their education. Ensuring they have the right school supplies and a quiet place to study will give them a great start. However, there’s another factor to consider that often gets overlooked—their oral health! But what do their teeth have to do with their academic performance? Read on to learn how excellent dental care can set them up for success!
Can Oral Health Affect Learning?
Studies published in the Journal of Pediatrics show that children with poor oral health are more likely to struggle with school. Oral health problems like cavities and gum disease often cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult for children to concentrate in class.
Many children in the studies mentioned above had lower grades and struggled with school attendance. This is because dental issues can lead to missed school days, lowered self-esteem, and the possibility of behavioral issues.
How Can I Help My Child with Their Oral Health?
The best way to help your child with their oral health is to simply get involved and engaged. Here are some expert tips to help keep their teeth and gums healthy:
Establish a Routine and Make it Fun
Teach your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. A consistent oral hygiene routine helps remove plaque and prevent cavities and gum disease. However, children may find the establishment of routine boring, so try to spice it up! A reward calendar or extra privileges for keeping their teeth clean are great ways to show them how important their teeth are without making it a “chore.”
Provide the Right Tools and Let Them Choose
Take a special trip with your child to the store and let them choose the things they want to step up their dental care game. From character-themed toothbrushes to flavored toothpaste and floss, there’s a lot available to get them excited for oral care!
Encourage a Healthy Diet and Lead by Example
It can be difficult to provide a balanced meal every night of the week. However, there are some simple ways you can make a difference. Excluding extra sugar from your grocery list is a good start. You don’t have to stop buying every treat but try to pick up more fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and lean meats and fewer processed items. After all, If it’s not at home, you can’t eat it!
Bring Them to Regular Dental Checkups
Schedule regular dental visits for your child. Professional cleanings and checkups allow dentists to spot and treat problems early, preventing more serious issues down the road.
A healthy smile is an important key to your child’s success at school. Not only will a great smile make them healthier, but they’ll feel happier and more confident as well. This will enhance their ability to learn and set them up for great dental habits in the future!
About the Author
If your child is having a tough time because of their teeth, Dr. Kristina Mackie can help! She’s a caring and talented dental expert with a dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. For over 15 years, she’s been utilizing the latest dental technology to help her patients find relief from even severe dental issues. Call (940) 498-2290 to schedule an appointment for your child at Loretto Family Dentistry or visit our website to learn more about what we do.