How a Healthy Smile May Help Your Child Earn Better Grades

Every parent wants their child to be successful in life, and that usually starts with doing well in school. When it comes to your little one’s grades, many factors come into play. One of these is something you may not have thought of – their oral health! In fact, recent research suggests that kids with great dental health are more likely to succeed in their classes. Keep reading as a children’s dentist in Far North Dallas reveals the reasons why – and what you can do to help your son or daughter have a healthy smile!

How Oral Health Affects a Child’s Academic Performance

Dental health can impact how well your little one does in school in many ways, including:

Better Attendance

If your child suffers from oral health problems, it’s likely that they’ll have to attend frequent dental appointments in order to treat them. The more often they’re pulled out of school, the more likely they are to miss crucial lessons, fall behind their peers, and receive lower grades at the end of the semester. By preventing cavities and other oral health concerns, your child won’t have to miss as many classes, making them more likely to excel.

Fewer Distractions

Focusing on homework and assignments can be difficult if your son or daughter is experiencing a nagging toothache. Getting tooth pain treated, or preventing it entirely, reduces distractions that can impair your child’s academic success.

Higher Self-Esteem

It’s not uncommon for older kids and teenagers to feel self-conscious about the way they look, which includes their smiles. A child with low self-esteem due to dental flaws is less likely to make friends, participate in group activities, or even raise their hand to ask questions. If they’re able to get their chipped or crooked teeth fixed, they’ll feel confident enough to lead a rich academic and social life.

Tips for Helping Your Child Maintain a Healthy Smile

Fortunately, you can help your son or daughter prevent dental issues from arising or worsening by:

• Making sure they brush twice daily and floss at least once a day.
• Taking them to visit their children’s dentist in Far North Dallas every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Not only will the dentist detect and treat oral health problems early on, but the hygienist can remove built-up plaque and tartar that contribute to these issues in the first place.
• Packing lunches and snacks that promote healthy gums and teeth. Limit their consumption of sugary beverages and starchy snacks. Instead, encourage your child to eat mouth-healthy foods like yogurt, cheese, apples, and baby carrots.

Oral health impacts a child’s academic success more than you might have realized! Be sure to follow the tips above to help your little one enjoy a great school year!  

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry has twelve convenient locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including one on Coit Road in Dallas. Our team consists of general dentists as well as multiple specialists, including orthodontists and pediatric dentists. We strive to help all of our patients feel relaxed and comfortable as we help them maintain healthy, bright smiles. To learn more about what we can do to help your child make this school year a great one, contact our Spring Valley location at 972-490-1600.