It’s almost time for back to school, and going back with a clean bill of oral health is top of the list! With the end of summer approaching, it’s easy to get caught up in binders and crayons instead of toothbrushes and dental check-ups. This is the perfect time of year, though, to get organized on all fronts, and health is one of the most important things to tackle. In fact, recent studies show there is a connection between good oral hygiene and education.
The Importance of Children’s Oral Health for Education
This study done in North Carolina shows a correlation between school performance and oral health habits. They studied absences from school in relation to routine checkups at the dentist and absences related to dental pain and infection.
They based the method on data collected in 2008 from the North Carolina Child Health Assessment and Monitoring program. The study followed 2,183 children. It considered variables such as school performance and absences, their current oral health status, race, gender, and both the education of the parents and their health insurance coverage.
The results were quite telling. Children who struggled with poor oral health were almost three times more likely than other students to miss school because of dental pain. School absences that were credited to regular check-ups did not impact the students’ performance, whereas absences due to dental pain were found to be reflected in poorer performance at school.
Establishing Good Oral Hygiene Habits
With the conclusion that poor oral health has a direct impact on a student’s ability to perform in school, there are some steps that can ensure a better outcome for children. Making a dental appointment for your child before school starts is a great way to start the year! This gives your dentist a chance to examine and treat any problem areas as soon as possible. Bringing them to the dentist will also give your child a chance to learn more about their own oral health and how to take care of their teeth at home. Being a part of their medical team will teach them to be empowered about dental decisions in the future.
How to Take Care of Children’s Teeth At Home
Taking your child to the dentist for regular check-ups is a really important first step. Helping your child maintain good oral hygiene at home will also have a terrific impact. Encouraging them to brush and floss their teeth twice daily and use a mouth rinse will set them up for a great future. Talking to your dentist about fluoride treatments and toothpaste options with fluoride can also keep your child’s teeth extra strong. Finally, encouraging them to have a healthy diet low in sugar will help their mouth stay healthy, and if they are craving something sweet, these sugar free lollipops should do the trick. Happy back to school and back to the dentist!
You have requested to view the site. Are you sure? Cancel
adroll_adv_id = “PSRFEWGUHFE3VM45MOBMK3”;
adroll_pix_id = “KT5DV6EU3ZC7NIA6UCEROE”;
adroll_version = “2.0”;
adroll_current_page = “other”;
adroll_currency = “USD”;
adroll_language = “en_US”;
