School-aged children spend most of their day-to-day learning in the classroom. This instruction is crucial to their intellectual development, so when frequent absences occur because of painful toothaches or sore gums, it can begin to reflect in their grades. If you want to make sure that your child spends more time at their desk and less time in the dentist’s chair, read on to learn why a dental checkup from a children’s dentist can be one of the most effective ways to help them achieve academic success.
How Problematic is Poor Oral Health When It Comes to Learning?
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics claimed that in 2016-2017, the health data of 45,711 children between the ages of 6 and 17 was collected. Based on the analysis, those who were categorized as having poor/fair oral health were 80% more likely to develop problems at school or miss more than 3-6 days of class instruction.
Researchers state that the psychosocial aspects of poor oral health can lead to an increase in low self-esteem, confidence, a lack of social skills, and a negative impact on the brain’s ability to learn. In short, these common oral health problems (i.e., cavities, gum disease, etc.) can lead to falling grades and poor academic success.
Why a Dental Checkup from a Children’s Dentist Can Help
No parent wants to see their child struggle in school, so to make sure they start on the right path, consider scheduling a dental checkup with your local children’s dentist.
This back-to-school appointment can be helpful to ensure that your little one’s smile is free of harmful decay, infection, and damage. If any problems are found, the dentist can quickly formulate a treatment plan to address the issue so that it does not worsen over time.
Identifying and treating oral health concerns early on will give your child the best chance to succeed academically. Not only will they be more focused on what is being taught, but they’ll enjoy a healthier smile that looks great, feels good, and gives them the confidence they need when among their peers.
While this time of year can be busy, making sure your child receives a dental checkup early on will allow them to enjoy the benefits of better oral health and high academic achievement.
About the Author
Dr. Jasmine King has nearly 20 years of experience working in the field of dentistry and is pleased to provide young patients with a chance to experience cutting-edge solutions designed to improve their smile. As a children’s dentist, she brings her knowledge and advanced training to the office so that she can help parents and their kids take better care of their oral health. If your child needs a checkup before school starts, visit our website or call (817) 292-7488.