It’s hard for a student to focus on schoolwork if they have a raging toothache, and studies show that children with poor oral health often underperform at school. While you’re busy getting your child school supplies, books, and immunizations for the new school year, make sure to schedule them for an end-of-summer dentist’s appointment. Read on to learn how good oral health can put a child in a better position for academic achievement.
Can Oral Health Affect School Attendance?
The first part of academic success is showing up, and poor oral health can take its toll on attendance. Children missing more days of school are likely to have a lower grade point average. The average elementary student misses about six days of school a year, and about two of these missed days are due to dental problems. This also taxes their parents’ work schedule, as a child usually needs a ride and the presence of a guardian to receive proper dental care. Getting your child scheduled for a dental exam before the school year starts can save them from needing emergency dentist appointments while school is in session.
How Can We Encourage Good Oral Care?
Staying informed about a child’s oral health issues can be difficult because children don’t always know how to describe them. A child might hide dental pain because they fear getting in trouble over not brushing their teeth. Other children simply don’t realize that their discomfort has to do with their teeth at all. Regular dental checkups keep your child’s teeth under a watchful eye that can catch developing problems before they become emergencies. It’s recommended that your child attends their first dental visit no later than their first birthday.
As necessary as regular dental exams are, good hygiene at home is the first line of defense for your child’s dental health. Helping your child to adopt a proper daily hygiene routine and making sure they keep up with it can prevent most dental emergencies. The best everyday oral care habits are:
- Brush twice or after meals using a soft-bristled toothbrush, making sure to wait thirty minutes after eating.
- Floss at least once a day as soon as a child has two touching teeth. Flosser sticks are often easier for children to use, and usually come in fun colors and themes!
- Encourage your child to begin using a safe antibacterial mouthwash after their sixth birthday.
- If your child plays sports, be sure they’re using the proper protection, including a mouthguard.
Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and limiting sugary and starchy foods in a child’s diet are the best ways to prevent dental emergencies during the school year. This way, they can study hard without worrying about distractions due to bleeding gums, tooth decay, or oral pain.
About the Practice
Transforming Smiles safeguards the oral health of patients in Lawrenceville, GA. Led by Drs. Bruce E. Carter and Shariq Zafrani, the skilled staff helps patients achieve stunning smiles in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Services include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry. If you’re interested in scheduling your child for a back-to-school dental appointment, contact the office online or dial (770) 995-7616.