So, let’s say you want to give your kid a leg up in school. Your most apparent options include helping them finish homework, study for exams, understand coursework, and so on. However, you could also send them to their dentist in Lawrenceville. It turns out that oral health impacts academic success — for better or worse. Strong pearly whites translate to good grades, while bad dental hygiene leads to poor performance. Here’s a summary of the teeth-school link and some dental care tips sure to improve your child’s schoolwork.
Oral Health Impacts Academic Success
You see, a youngster’s smile can determine their attendance and focus. Current research shows that kids with dental issues have classroom issues and attend school less often. Furthermore, such conditions make students less likely to do their required homework. The Surgeon General’s office has said that more than 51 million school hours are lost yearly due to oral health challenges.
Back-to-School Dental Hygiene Tips
Thankfully, you can boost your children’s oral health so that it doesn’t conflict with their education. Consider the following tips:
Establish Your Child’s Oral Care Routine
Keep your little one’s mouth clean with an oral care routine. In particular, ensure they brush their teeth each morning and before bed.
When setting up this routine, have your kid stick to it for a whole year. That way, the tyke will make it a habit like dressing in the morning or putting on PJs at night.
Make Brushing Fun for Them
Kids tend to love special trinkets. Let your child pick out their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and other supplies. They could even choose a special character toothbrush or one that lights up or plays music during brushing. Whatever the case, this choice will help them frame oral care as something exciting and fun.
Whatever the toothbrush, though, have your child brush for two minutes at a time.
Pack Smile-Friendly School Lunches
Remember: A sugary school lunch won’t do your child’s mouth much good. It’ll only create harmful acids that could erode their tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.
Therefore, pack healthier foods for this afternoon meal. The ideal school lunch is high in proteins, fiber, and dairy and includes meats, cheese, and fresh fruits.
Schooling has the power to give people a bright and prosperous future. Make sure it does the same for your little one and talk with your dentist in Lawrenceville!
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter is based in Lawrenceville, GA, having earned his DDM from the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry. He’s worked as a dentist for over thirty years and offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments. As needed, he can even perform emergency dentistry and wisdom tooth removal! Patients can thus trust him for any smile need. Dr. Carter currently practices at Transforming Smiles and is reachable at his website or by phone at (770)-995-7616.