Smiles for Students

Although high-quality dental tools, like soft-bristled toothbrushes, water flossers, and fluoride toothpaste, can be obtained with a quick trip to the store, cases of tooth decay continue to skyrocket, especially in children. While tooth decay can certainly negatively affect a child’s ability to smile confidently and chew pain-free, there is another consequence parents often forget: their academic performance. As an experienced dentist, I feel it’s important to shed light on the relationship between oral health and childhood education. If you’re interested in learning more, read on!

A Quick Look at the Numbers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are one of the top chronic diseases among children (coming in second only to the common cold). Currently, about 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 and 13% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 have at least one untreated cavity. Furthermore, more than 90% of Americans have had one or more cavities by their 21st birthday. So, it’s safe to say that tooth decay is a prevalent concern among children.

What Research Says About Oral Health and Education

Now that you are familiar with the numbers, it’s important to discuss the relationship between poor oral health and poor academic performance. Fortunately, there have been countless studies conducted on the topic. In fact, the US National Library of Medicine took a deeper look at the impact of oral health and academic performance, only to find that students suffering with a toothache were nearly 4x more likely to have lower grades. But why is that? Researchers suspect two reasons. First, toothaches can be painful, making focusing on and retaining the information being presented nearly impossible. Second, missed time in the classroom. After all, between 58 and 80 school hours are missed annually.

8 Oral Health Best Practices for a Healthy Smile

If the above information has you feeling disheartened, don’t fret – cavities are largely preventable. To keep your child’s teeth decay-free throughout the years, it’s of the utmost importance that you enforce the following best practices:

• Brushing for two full minutes at least twice a day.
• Flossing daily.
• Rinsing with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds (once they are old enough, of course).
• Visiting the dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months.
• Quitting unhealthy habits, like chewing on pen caps.
• Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods.
• Drinking lots of water each day.
• Wearing a mouthguard during sports.

The Importance of Biannual Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Any (good) list of tips for keeping your child’s smile happy and healthy will recommend biannual checkups and cleanings with their dentist. Sadly, these visits often take a backseat due to hectic schedules. It is important to remember, however, that any oral hygiene routine, no matter how thorough, is ultimately incomplete without these six-month appointments. After all, only your child’s dentist can catch cavities in the early stages, remove built-up tartar, and truly clean every nook and cranny of their mouth. Plus, these routine visits provide a great opportunity for both patients and parents to ask questions pertaining to which products and techniques are the most suitable. In short, they are important. So, if your child’s six-month dental checkup and cleaning isn’t on the calendar yet, schedule it now!

As a parent, you want to set your child up for success in the classroom. Oftentimes, that includes buying all of the right school supplies, making sure they get plenty of rest, and helping them through their homework. While those are all certainly important, remember to also encourage good oral health best practices. It could make all the difference in your child’s academic performance!