The new school year will soon be getting underway, and you’re looking for any positive edge for your child. One area that you may have never considered as a factor is excellent dental care. But what could this possibly have to do with education? Keep reading to get the amazing facts and preventive tips from your dentist in Dublin!
What the Science Shows
In an article published in PubMed, researchers concluded that “preventing and treating dental problems and improving dental health may benefit child academic achievement and cognitive and psychological development.”
They discovered that students with poor dental health were more prone to demonstrate the following characteristics:
- To be less likely to complete assigned homework on time
- To be more prone to have behavioral problems at school
- To be prone to school absences, missing – on average – one more day per year than their peers
The good news is that all of the above trends can be reversed with greater awareness and action.
Possible Remedies Related to Better Dental Health
With summer coming to a close and the new school year just around the corner, there are some proactive steps you can take to turn things around for your child and lay the foundation for a healthier and more productive fall semester.
Consider the following simple tips:
Get on a Back-to-School Schedule Now
Now is the perfect time to initiate some good dental hygiene habits and put your child on schedule so the positive effects can carry over into the school year. You can begin by waking your child up around the time he or she would for school. To go a step further, establish a routine for brushing and flossing in the morning and at night before going to bed.
Make Toothbrushing an Event
Kids love shopping for new items, so you can encourage good dental hygiene habits by taking a trip to the store to purchase his or her favorite toothbrush, toothpaste and other supplies. Therefore, toothbrushing will become a fun and anticipated event.
Stay Involved and Engaged
Whether it’s in regard to dental hygiene or performance in school, students with parents who are involved and attentive tend to have better results. Monitor your child’s technique when brushing and flossing, as it allows you to make important corrections before any bad habits develop.
Set Up a Dental Appointment Now
This is the perfect time to schedule a visit with your local children’s dentist. By having your child’s teeth thoroughly cleaned and examined, you can feel confident that he or she is entering the fall with a clean slate and the inspiration to maintain the best dental health possible. That amounts to one less thing you’ll have to worry about as you prepare for the upcoming semester!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Throughout his career, he has placed an emphasis on prevention, encouraging parents to instill healthy dental care habits early for their children. Dr. Buck provides expert and patient dental care for young ones at Distinctive Smiles, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.