It may be the middle of July, but back-to-school season is just around the corner. To avoid the last-minute stress of organizing carpools, purchasing supplies, and preparing everything else that’s needed for a great semester, it’s best to get started now. The best place to begin? By scheduling your child’s six-month dental checkup and cleaning! Keep reading to learn all about the link between academic success and oral health.
So, What Does Oral Health Have to do with Academic Success?
According to research published by the US National Library of Medicine, the link between academic success and oral health is substantial. Of the children studied, those with dental problems were more likely to not complete all of their assigned work, have problems in the classroom, and miss school altogether. Alarmingly, 80% of the children struggling with oral health issues, like tooth decay, missed at least one school day per year. Furthermore, the psychosocial effects (i.e., unhappiness, feelings of worthlessness, etc.). negatively impacted their performance in the classroom.
6 Dental Care Best Practices to Start the Semester on the Right Foot
Now that you know just how important your child’s oral health is, it’s important to enforce the right dental care habits. Heading into the new semester, here are a few oral hygiene best practices your student should be implementing:
- Brushing for two full minutes at least twice a day.
- Flossing daily.
- Rinsing with mouthwash (if they are old enough).
- Eating a balanced vitamin-rich diet that is low in added sugar.
- Avoiding unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on pen caps or not wearing their mouthguard.
- Visiting their dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.
The Importance of Six-Month Dental Checkups & Cleanings
All too often, parents forget just how important their child’s bi-yearly dental checkups and cleanings are. One of the reasons these routine appointments are so important is because they catch dental problems, like tooth decay, before they become painful or wreak havoc on your child’s oral health. Secondly, the cleaning portion of these visits remove built-up plaque and tartar while cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of their mouth. Lastly, it allows you the opportunity to ask important questions about your child’s at-home dental care routine. So, if you haven’t yet scheduled your child’s six-month dental checkup and cleaning, now’s the time to do so!
About the Practice
For years, our team at Carlson Dental Group has provided nearby patients with personalized, comprehensive, world-class dentistry. Dr. Richard Carlson, Dr. Khoi Le, and Dr. Edward Murray know the importance of proper prevention, which is why they go the extra mile to provide meticulous checkups and thorough cleanings. If any dental problems are detected, they can swiftly intervene with the appropriate restorative service, restoring you or your little one’s pain-free smile. If it’s time to schedule your child’s bi-yearly visit or you’d like to learn more about proper at-home prevention, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our Bartram Park or Riverside office.