How Good Oral Health Helps Your Child Do Well in School

Every parent wants their child to do well when it comes to all the different aspects of their life. In many different areas, this starts with academic success. There are numerous factors that play a role in helping your child earn excellent grades, but one of the things you may not think of is their oral health. The healthier that their smile is, the more likely they are to do well in their classes. Continue reading to learn why and what you can do to ensure that your child is maintaining excellent dental health.

How Can Dental Health Affect Your Child’s Academic Success?

There are a few 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 dealing with oral health problems, they may need to be taken out of school more often in order to have them resolved. The more days of school that they are missing, 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 in the classroom.

Fewer Distractions

When your child is experiencing dental issues, 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 ones, you can prevent them from taking a toll on your child’s success in school.

Improves 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 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 their teeth twice and flossing once a day. This is essential to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
• Schedule dental appointments every six months for cleanings and checkups. Their 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 their consumption of starchy snacks and sugary beverages.

You want your child to do well in school, but it is much more difficult if they have oral health problems. By using the tips listed above, you can help them to maintain a healthy smile and keep their grades up!

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He is a current member of the American Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. For more information on children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Oshkosh, visit his website or call (920) 235-0320.