Give Your Child School Success with Good Oral Health

Parents want their kids to have good oral health for many reasons. After all, clean teeth translate to less pain, fewer illnesses, and a prettier smile to show friends and family. However, did you know a healthy mouth can improve your child’s academic success too? Recent research shows that children with poor teeth and gums do less well in school. In other words, there’s now another incentive for your child to have a white smile. Read on to learn more about the teeth-school link from your dentist in Grand Prairie.

Teeth & Gums Affect School Performance

In a 2012 study published by the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers assessed whether childhood dental health was linked to school performance. They did so by analyzing survey data from over 40,000 American children.

The research conclusion was clear: Dental conditions were strongly associated with poor schoolwork and reduced mental health. In particular, these issues made kids more likely to miss school, have problems in the classroom, and skip their homework. Having an unhealthy smile also caused children to feel shy, unhappy, worthless, and unfriendly.

Back-to-School Oral Health Tips

You’ll want to boost your tyke’s oral health to prevent the above outcomes. Here are some things that would help you do so:

Have Them Visit a Pediatric Dentist

Your child should receive dental checkups and cleanings about every six months. That way, their dentist in Grand Prairie can examine, diagnose, and treat tooth problems before things get out of hand.

Given the academic link, schedule your little one’s next checkup before the new semester. This timeslot will let your child start the school year with a healed smile that lets them focus on coursework rather than toothaches.

Make Brushing Fun for Them

Kids love unique trinkets. Let your own pick their toothbrush, toothpaste, and other supplies. They could even choose a special character toothbrush or one that lights up or plays music during brushing. Giving them this choice will frame oral care as something exciting and fun.

Pack Smile-Friendly School Lunches

As you probably know, sugary foods aren’t good for teeth. They create harmful acids that erode enamel and cause tooth decay.

That said, pack nutritious foods for your child’s school lunch. Good examples are products high in protein, fiber, and dairy — think meat, cheese, and fresh fruits.

Hopefully, you were already protecting your children’s teeth and gums. Even so, remember that the tips above could transform a kid’s grades and smile!

About the Practice

Care 32 Dental is based in Grand Prairie, TX. As led by Dr. Heliben Desai, the practice treats everyone with fully personalized care. To that end, it offers customized preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments, including emergency dentistry. The staff also serves patients of all ages, from the very young to the young-at-heart. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (469)-837-8351.