When the first day of school rolls around, you want your kids to have everything they need to succeed in the classroom. That includes a backpack full of their supplies for the upcoming year and a healthy smile.
What does a healthy smile have to do with success in school?
Well, according to the Children’s Dental Health Project, students who have poor dental health are four times more likely to have bad grades compared to their peers. The American Dental Association also notes that students miss out on 51 million hours of school annually as a result of oral health problems.
In other words, good oral health may not make your children better students, but bad dental health can become an obstacle to education. At Dental Bright, we want to help however we can, which is why we welcome you to schedule back-to-school dental cleanings and exams for your family.
Call 713-234-6690 today to make your appointment at our Houston, TX family dentist office.
Stay Focused
When the school bell rings, you want your child to be in their seat, attentive, and ready to learn. We also know that kids can become distracted by many things. As parents, you can’t control everything your child does, which is why is so important to be proactive about problems that are preventable — problems like dental health issues.
When a child has a toothache, it can take their mind off the lessons a teacher is trying to share. It can make it difficult to concentrate on a task or the homework they are assigned.
A painful tooth can cause another problem as well. When a tooth hurts, it can make eating more difficult. If a child is in too much pain to bite and chew, they may not eat much of their breakfast or lunch. That can result in low energy levels, which also makes it more difficult to focus on schoolwork.
And toothaches aren’t a minor concern. One in seven students 6 to 12 years old reported having in the previous six months, according to a recent national survey, according to information from the Children’s Dental Health Project.
Be Proactive
The best approach to oral health is preventive care. Developing a good oral hygiene routine is the best thing your family can do to reduce the risk of cavities and gum infections.
As a quick refresher, let’s discuss what you should do. First, brush and floss your teeth daily. Brushing should be done twice per day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and small squeeze of fluoride toothpaste. Flossing should be done once per day to remove plaque and food particles from the spaces between teeth and gums.
It’s equally important to get regular dental cleanings and exams. Professional care can remove plaque and tartar buildup (since no one brushes and flosses perfectly every time). Dental exams are how we find problems in the early stages, when treatment is simpler and more effective.
Set The Stage For Success
You want your children to get the best education they can. To do that, they need to avoid distractions, like painful toothaches. By scheduling a back-to-school dental checkup, our team at Dental Bright can help.
Call 713-234-6690 or contact us online today!