Most children know about the importance of proper dental care. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential for a healthy smile, but did you know those practices can do more than prevent cavities? Studies have discovered that children with poor oral health are significantly associated with reduced school performance. That means encouraging your little one to take good care of their teeth and gums can set them up for academic success! Read on to learn more about this phenomenon and how you can help your child have a great school year.
How Does Oral Health Affect Academic Performance?
As a parent, you’ve likely drilled into your child’s head the importance of proper dental care from a young age. You probably told them that habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing are necessary to prevent several different oral health issues. Well, there’s one more reason why your little one should do everything they can to maintain a healthy smile.
One study found that dental problems were significantly associated with reductions in academic performances and psychosocial well-being. Children with poor oral health were more likely to have problems at school, miss school, and not do their required assignments. A report from the Office of Surgeon General notes that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related conditions. Because of this research, it can be assumed that preventing and treating dental problems may benefit child academic achievement and cognitive and psychosocial development.
Back-to-School Tips for a Healthy Smile
Before your child heads back to the classroom, brush up on these tips to help them maintain good oral health:
- Establish an oral hygiene routine. Make sure your little one is brushing and flossing every day, ideally each morning and right before bed. It’s incredibly important to stick to a consistent routine throughout the school year.
- Make brushing a fun activity. Children may need help finding the motivation to brush their teeth, especially young ones. You can encourage them by allowing them to pick out their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and other oral care supplies. They can choose a fun toothbrush that lights up or plays their favorite song!
- Pack healthy lunches. When packing your child’s lunch, be sure to fill it with nutrient-rich foods like deli meat, whole-grain bread, cheese, pretzels, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
- Schedule regular dental checkups. The beginning of the school year is a great time to schedule a dental checkup for your little one. It’ll allow your dentist to spot or treat any issues that can turn into complications down the road.
Are you preparing for your child’s first day of school? By following the tips outlined above, you can help them maintain a happy and healthy smile all year long!
About the Practice
At Tamborello Dental Associates, we offer high-quality, compassionate, and personalized dental services for children of all ages. Our team enjoys educating patients to help them make confident and informed decisions for their oral health. For more back-to-school tips, visit our website or call (713) 522-7540.