How Good Oral Health Can Help Your Child Achieve Better Grades

You want your child to do well in school, and there are numerous factors that play a role in their academic success. However, one factor you may not be thinking of is their dental health. The stronger and healthier that your child’s smile is, the more likely they are to do well in the classroom. Continue reading to learn why this is the case and what you can do to make sure that your child is keeping up with their smile.

How Does Dental Health Affect Your Child’s Success in School?

There are several different ways that dental health has an effect on your child’s likelihood of success in in the classroom. Here are just a few of them:

Fewer Absences

If your child is struggling with a lot of dental issues, they will end up needing to be taken out of school more often to have them treated. The more days of school they miss, the more likely they are to fall behind and not receive the grades that they’re hoping for. By staying on top of their oral health, your child will be more likely to attend school and do better in the long run.

Fewer Distractions

When your child is experiencing an oral health problem, it’s both inconvenient and can be 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 more serious, you can prevent them from taking a toll on your child’s academic success.

Improves Self-Esteem

It’s not uncommon for children and teens to feel self-conscious about their appearance. This includes how their smile looks. If a child has low self-esteem, they are more likely to distance themselves from other students and even refrain from participating in the classroom. By addressing alignment issues or cosmetic imperfections with their dentist, you can help them to achieve a smile that they feel confident showing off when they are at school.

How Can You Help Your Child Maintain Good Oral Health?

• Ensure that they are brushing twice and flossing once a day. This is crucial for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
• Schedule a dental appointment every six months for a cleaning and checkup for your child. The dental team will remove plaque and tartar and check for oral health issues. This way, they can be treated before becoming serious and impacting your child’s success at school.
• 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 as well.

Oral health can affect your child’s success more than you may think. By using the tips listed above, you can give them the best chance at doing well in their academics!

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps is an experienced dentist with over two decades of experience in dentistry so far. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University and is passionate about continuing her education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Equilibration Society, and American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. For more information on children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment for your child at her office in Midland, visit her website or call (432) 570-4433.