And just like that… back-to-school season is here again! Between dusting off your child’s backpack, purchasing new school supplies, and starting a new routine again, you may forget what the endless list of to-dos is for: setting your child up for a successful school year. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to schedule their biannual checkup. After all, study after study has pointed to the link between academic success and oral health. To learn more about how the two are connected, as well as how to help keep your child’s teeth decay-free this semester, read on.
What the Research Says About Academic Success and Oral Health
Think academic success has nothing to do with oral health? Think again! When roughly 40,000 students were studied, researchers quickly realized that those with dental problems were significantly more likely to have trouble in school. In addition to missing class and not completing all required homework, students struggling with cavities and other oral health concerns displayed feelings of shyness, unhappiness, and even worthlessness. So, prioritizing the health of your child’s teeth and gums is important, especially during the school year!
5 Back-to-School-Specific Oral Hygiene Tips
If your child (and maybe even you!) have let your oral hygiene routine fall to the back burner, don’t fret. Neglecting to brush and floss every once in a while is an honest mistake. As long as you help your little one get back on-track, they’ll ace their next dental exam with flying colors. With this in mind, here are several back-to-school-specific oral hygiene tips:
- Pack your child smile-friendly lunches and snacks that are low in added sugar
- Make sure your child brushes for a full two minutes
- Help your child floss consistently (at least once a day)
- Redirect unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on pencils or nail-biting
- Schedule their biannual checkup and cleaning every six months
Amid the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season, it’s important to re-focus on the goal: setting your child up for a successful school year. Since ensuring their teeth are decay-free is a key part of that, make sure to schedule their six-month checkup and cleaning too!
About the Author
When Dr. Deval Parmar realized she could combine her passion for art and science as a dentist, she knew that she wanted to dedicate her career to helping patients of all ages achieve their healthiest, happiest smiles. In addition to completing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India, she earned her dental doctorate at the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. In her 13+ years of experience, she has completed advanced training in everything from Invisalign to dental implants. So, if you have a question about your child’s oral health or it’s time to schedule their biannual checkup, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment via our website or by phone at (972) 972-4646.