Your child’s education matters—but did you know that their oral health actually plays an important role in their performance at school? Studies show that children with poor dental health are more likely to show reduced performance in the classroom! But how is oral health linked to education? Here’s more from your dentist in Midlothian about this connection and some tips to set your child up for a successful school year.
The Link Between Oral Health & Academic Success
Research conducted by the National Library of Medicine has found a very observable link between oral health and academic success. After analyzing roughly 40,000 students, the researchers found that those with dental problems were significantly more likely to not only miss school, but also have problems in the classroom and struggle to complete all of their required work.
Additionally, the students in question were also negatively affected by some of the psychological consequences of poor dental health including embarrassment and feelings of worthlessness that negatively affected their academic performance. This shows that preventing and treating dental problems and improving dental health in children may benefit not just academic achievement, but also cognitive and psychosocial development. Simply put, having a healthy smile will work wonders for a child’s growth and development in the classroom, as they’re more likely to learn, reciprocate, socialize, and feel included.
Helpful Oral Health Tips for the New School Year
Fortunately, many dental problems are easily preventable with the right knowledge and proper hygiene practices. Keep these tips in mind as your child heads into the new school year to ensure that their smile is as healthy and bright as possible:
- Enforce an effective oral hygiene regimen – Make sure that your child is brushing their teeth twice a day, ideally with a soft bristled toothbrush. Also encourage flossing and the use of an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings – This is one of the most important things you can do for your child’s oral health—regular dental visits give your child’s dentist the chance to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, in addition to detecting and treating underlying problems. A visit before the start of the school year can go a long way!
- Consider a well-balanced diet – Encourage your child to make healthy dietary choices; have them opt for hearty fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbs and more instead of processed, sugary, and starchy items. Also make sure they’re drinking plenty of water; staying hydrated ensures the production of saliva, which is key in the fight against tooth decay.
No matter how old your child is, their education is important—and knowing the impact that their oral health can have on it means that oral hygiene is more important than ever!
About the Practice
Marvel Dental proudly serves patients and families in the Midlothian, TX community under the leadership of Dr. Jay Oza, Dr. Vishwam Patel, and Dr. William Starck. Together they combine several collective decades of experience to provide patients with an exceptional level of dental care. Their practice is pleased to offer many available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact the practice online or by phone: (682) 772-3072.