As a parent, you want to help your child excel in school, both academically and socially. From helping them with homework to making sure they have a healthy breakfast and lunch every day, you’re doing everything you can to set them up for success. But with the beginning of a new school year, you may be surprised to learn that their dental health can have a big impact on their achievement. Keep reading to learn more about the link between a child’s smile and their academic success, and how a children’s dentist in St. Albans can help!
The Link Between Dental Health and Academic Performance
Here are a few statistics that show just how important a healthy smile is for kids:
- A study from 2012 looked at just over 40,000 kids and found that those with dental problems reported higher levels of shyness, unhappiness and feelings of worthlessness. They were also more likely to miss school and less likely to complete their homework.
- The Center For Health and Healthcare In Schools found that approximately 51 million school hours are lost annually due to oral health issues like cavities or sports-related injuries.
- According to the CDC, an estimated 42% of children ages 2-11 have untreated cavities. Small cavities can be fixed with simple fillings, but if they aren’t found early enough they can become painful and need extensive treatment such as a dental crown, root canal or extraction.
How Can a Children’s Dentist Set Kids Up For Academic Success?
While the statistics above are concerning, the good news is that dental problems like cavities are 100% preventable. The first step is scheduling a checkup with a children’s dentist. They’ll recommend preventive treatments such as sealants (thin, durable coatings on the back teeth that prevent an estimated 80% of childhood cavities), professional fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel, and possibly a custom-made mouthguard to prevent injuries like knocked-out teeth during sports.
If a dentist does find cavities, they can treat them with small fillings before they’ve caused more damage. By getting a checkup before school starts, you’ll help your child avoid more extensive dental work after the year is underway. It’s also a great opportunity to get specific tips to improve your child’s oral hygiene routine.
Good dental health is an absolute necessity for your child’s overall well-being and their ability to succeed in school. By scheduling a checkup now, you can rest assured that they’ll head into the school year with a healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Tyler Aten is a family dentist who loves working with patients of all ages. He especially enjoys helping children achieve the healthy smiles they need for a great start in life and to succeed in school. If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in St. Albans or have any questions, he can be contacted via his website or at (802) 524-4844.