Summer is coming to an end, which only means one thing: back-to-school season is here! To set your child up for a good semester, it’s important to schedule their biannual checkup and cleaning sooner rather than later. After all, research shows that oral health and academic success are closely linked. Keep reading to learn all about the role oral health plays in the classroom.
How Oral Health Impacts Academic Success
According to research conducted by the US National Library of Medicine, the link between oral health and academic success is undeniable. In fact, of the students they studied, those with dental problems were more likely to miss days, not complete all of their work, and have problems at school. The psychosocial factors, like feelings of unhappiness and worthlessness, also negatively affected their performance in the classroom. As a result, good oral health is one of the driving factors for a successful semester!
A Few Reasons to Schedule Your Child’s Biannual Visit Now
If all of the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season has left you with a jam-packed calendar, you may be tempted to push off your child’s checkup and cleaning until after the semester begins. However, there are a few benefits to scheduling their visit sooner rather than later. To begin, your child’s days aren’t filled with school, homework, and extracurricular activities in the summer, leaving them with a more open schedule. Next, dental problems, like cavities, can’t heal on their own. In fact, they can worsen over time. That’s why treating them in the early stages is so important.
Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Smile Healthy This Semester
Your child’s six-month dental checkups and cleanings can catch dental problems, remove built-up plaque, and thoroughly clean their teeth and gums. However, keeping their smile in pristine condition involves a solid at-home oral hygiene regimen too! With this in mind, here are a few dental care tips to implement this semester:
- Brushing for two full minutes at least twice a day.
- Flossing daily.
- Eating a balanced lunch (especially since your child likely won’t be brushing their teeth until much later).
- Limiting sugary beverages, like sports drinks and soda.
- Avoiding unhealthy dental habits, like not wearing a mouthguard during sports.
Amid the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season, don’t forget what it’s really all about: setting your child up for a successful school year. With this in mind, make sure your child’s biannual dental checkup and cleaning is on the calendar!
About the Author
With two wonderful parents who were doctors, it was only natural for Dr. Javier Perez to continue on the legacy of helping others. He earned his degree in Cuba before attending dental school again at UCLA. Today, he has more than two full decades of experience helping patients of all ages get the happy, healthy, beautiful smiles they deserve! If your child is overdue for their six-month checkup or is struggling with tooth pain, don’t hesitate to visit his website.