It has become important for parents to ask themselves if dental issues are causing their children to be absent from classes or to fully participate in some of their academic or peer activities. Studies conducted on oral health and academic performance show that when kids have dental problems, they are not able to make the most of school.
How Dental Issues Affect Children
The study showed that children with toothaches were likely to have lower grade point averages than those who didn’t. They were also more likely to be absent from class, possibly missing lessons on vital concepts.
Apart from pain and discomfort, there are other things that children with dental issues suffer from. When tooth decay is severe, nourishment can be affected due to problems with chewing and this has implications on the physical growth of children.
Another possibly underestimated effect of dental issues on children is the way these can inhibit them from confidently relating to their peers. Poor oral health can become visible on teeth as well as lead to bad breath. As a whole, it would be no exaggeration to say that dental problems can compromise the academic and social development of children.
What Parents Can Do
Parents have a central role in making sure that children have the oral care they need so they can fulfill their potential to the fullest and spend happy days at school. One of the first things that parents have to do is start kids early on the path to dental health.
Many people believe that toddlers don’t need oral care. This is actually not true. Baby teeth need to be brushed and cleaned, and a good children’s dentist will gladly give you pointers on how this can be done. It will also help to take your toddler or your younger child on visits to the dentist before they have problems so that the dentist’s office will not be a traumatic place for them.
Keeping Dental Issues Away
Parents with children of school age need to make sure that their children have the care needed to prevent potential problems. This can be done by finding a good children’s dentist – one who understands that beyond the obligatory check-up, dental visits are the best way to orient children to a good lifelong habit of maintaining oral health.
Family dentists today use fluoride to toughen children’s teeth and sealants to prevent decay in the baby teeth. Along with other preventive measures, these can be done quickly in your dentist’s office.
A conscientious children’s dentist will give you good oral care advice on how to keep your children’s teeth healthy. This will include insights on foods to keep away from, how to protect your child’s teeth, and what preventive care routine your child should develop and use at home. Given the impact of dental issues on academic performance, these routines should be started as early as possible.