How Good Oral Health Can Set Your Child Up for Success

Everyone wants their children to succeed, and this starts with doing well in school. By doing so, this helps them to get a head start once they reach adulthood. There are several different things that contribute to your child’s academic success, but one you may not think of is their oral health. The healthier your child’s smile is, the easier it will be for them to achieve the grades that they’re working so hard. For. Continue reading to learn how oral health affects academic success and what you can do to help.

How Does Dental Health Affect Academic Success?

Fewer Absences

When your child is struggling with oral health issues, they will likely need to be taken out of school in order to have them dealt with. The more days they miss, the more likely they are to fall behind and not receive the grades that they are working so hard for. By staying on top of their oral health, your child will be more likely to have optimal attendance and grades.

Fewer Distractions

When a child is dealing with a dental problem, it is inconvenient and often times uncomfortable for them. It can seem impossible for both children and adults alike to focus on assignments and tasks when dealing with a lot of oral pain. By picking up on dental issues before they become more serious and uncomfortable, you can keep them from taking a toll on your child’s success.

Improves Confidence

Kids and teens often find themselves feeling self-conscious about how they look. After all, it is a period where a lot of growth is taking place. This includes the appearance of their smile. If your child isn’t feeling confident, they are more likely to distance themselves from other students or even refrain from participating in the classroom. By addressing alignment issues and cosmetic imperfections with their children’s dentist, you can help them to achieve a smile that they can show off with confidence!

What Can You Do to Help Your Child Keep Their Smile Healthy?

• Encourage them to brush twice and floss once each day. This is crucial for preventing decay, gum disease, and other issues.
• Schedule them routine dental cleanings and checkups so oral health issues can be prevented and treated before becoming serious and impacting their academic success.
• Stock up on healthy snacks, like nuts, baby carrots, cheese, yogurt, and apple slices. Discourage the consumption of starchy snacks and sugary beverages.

Oral health issues shouldn’t be getting in the way of your child’s education. By using the tips listed above, you can give your child a better chance at academic success!

About the Author

Dr. CJ Stec earned his dental doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Association. For more information on children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment for your child at his office in Grand Island, visit his website or call (308) 382-4440.