Set Your Child Up for Academic Success with a Healthy Smile

With fall right around the corner, is your child ready for school? In addition to all the new folders, colored pencils, and other school supplies they’ll need, make sure that you’ve set your little one up for academic success with a healthy smile! Not only do healthy teeth and gums encourage better wellbeing and confidence, but studies show that good oral health can help improve school performance. Read on as your children’s dentist explains how your child’s smile can influence their grades and what you can do to help them succeed.

What the Research Shows

Recently, researchers have been studying the connection between children’s dental health, school performance, and psychosocial wellbeing. Their findings overwhelmingly showed that “dental problems were significantly associated with reductions in school performance and psychosocial well-being.” While oral health problems do not directly interfere with academics, their research indicates that children with dental problems were much more likely to have problems at school, more likely to miss school, and less likely to complete all their required homework. Plus, oral health conditions in children were also linked to shyness, unhappiness, and reduced friendliness, especially in the teenage years.

Why Does Oral Health Impact School Performance?

Are you wondering how cavities can cause bad grades? While at first the two may not seem connected, there are plenty of ways poor oral health can make it more difficult for children to do well in school, including:

• Trouble focusing: Nagging dental pain or constant anxiety about how their teeth look can distract your child from paying attention in class or focusing on their homework.
• Missed school and homework: Multiple dental treatments or emergency dental appointments take time away from being in class or completing homework at home.
• Shyness in class: If your child is uncomfortable with how their teeth look or feel, they’ll be less likely to ask questions in class or participate in activities.
• Lowered self-confidence: An accumulation of all these obstacles can take quite a toll on your child’s self-confidence, which can make it difficult for them to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed in school.

Oral Health Tips for a Great School Year

Thankfully, there are lots of ways you can help your child maintain great oral health for a healthy smile and a successful school year, like:

• Schedule your child’s biannual dental checkup with your local children’s dentist
• Ensure your child is brushing their teeth for a full two minutes each morning and evening
• Encouraging your child to floss and rinse with mouthwash regularly
• Limiting their sugar intake and packing them healthy school lunches
• Teaching them about the importance of keeping their smile healthy

Your little one’s oral health influences a lot more than just their appearance. Make sure they feel confident and prepared for the upcoming school year with these smile care tips.

About the Practice

Harris Parkway Dental Care has been serving smiles of all ages in Fort Worth and the surrounding communities since 1980. Dr. McConnell has over 40 years of experience showing patients how easy and rewarding great oral health can be, and he’s proud to lead a truly talented and compassionate team. With a wide array of services to help smiles thrive at every stage in life, they are well-equipped and excited to help your family achieve and maintain optimal oral health. To learn more, they can be contacted via their website or at (817) 423-2223.