Back-to-school season is here, so you are likely purchasing your little one a new bookbag, taking them in for their annual physical with their pediatrician, and making sure that they are ready to start the school year off on the right foot. However, studies show there is something else which is just as important that your child needs to help them succeed both socially and academically, and that is a routine checkup and cleaning with their pediatric dentist in Leesburg. Read on to learn more about the connection between your child’s performance in school and good oral health.
What Do the Studies Say?
A 2012 study published in The Journal of Pediatrics analyzed data collected in 2007 from the National Survey of Children’s Health for over 40,000 children and teens between ages six and 17. Their goal was to look at what role dental health problems played in academic performance, while taking into account social determinants of health like demographics and socioeconomic status.
What they found was that oral health issues, like cavities and toothaches, were associated with missing one or more days of school, being less likely to complete homework, and decreased general academic performance.
Setting Your Child Up for Good Oral Health & Success in School
According to this study, helping your child maintain a healthy smile throughout the school year can improve their ability to focus and participate in the classroom. Preventive dental care, like routine checkups and cleanings, is a proactive way to help your favorite smile stay happy. These visits act to spot and treat the small problems, like early signs of decay, before they have a chance to progress and lead to more discomfort and the need for emergency treatment.
That is why it is a great idea to schedule your child’s bi-annual appointment with their pediatric dentist before school starts. Not only will it give you the peace-of-mind that they will not have lingering, worsening oral health problems, but that they can also confidently let their smile show to their friends on the playground or in the classroom.
At-Home Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Cavity-Free
Between your child’s regular appointments with their pediatric dentist, it is also important to develop a good at-home oral health routine to ward off the threat of common dental issues. These tips can help preserve their smile:
- Brush their teeth (or oversee them do it, depending on what they are comfortable with) at least twice a day for two minutes, using the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste and an appropriate-sized toothbrush for their mouth.
- Help them maintain a balanced diet by being mindful of how many sugary and processed foods they are eating.
- Read them oral hygiene-related children’s books so they understand the importance of taking care of their pearly whites.
School can already be difficult for children to navigate. Add in the discomfort of sitting through class with dental sensitivity or a toothache, and it can only become harder for them to focus. By helping your child maintain a healthy smile throughout the year with a good at-home and dental visit routine, you can help them soar to new heights!
About the Author
Dr. Takiar (Agent T) is a passionate and highly skilled pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She understands that the fear of the unknown can make visiting the dentist scary for her young patients, which is why she developed an engaging, fun, and nerve-erasing detective-themed dental practice. She’s excited to share all of her dental knowledge with her fellow detectives, providing them with the tools and education necessary to help their smiles flourish into adulthood. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Tooth Clues’ website or call 571-799-0559.