Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the rigorous task of preparation. From shopping for the perfect backpack to making sure your child has enough pencils to last the school year (an impossible task), the season can easily cause important items like dental appointments to slip through the cracks.
But why is a dentist appointment important for your child’s academic success? Continue reading to learn how your child’s dental hygiene can affect their performance in school.
How Does My Child’s Oral Health Affect Their Schoolwork?
Multiple studies published in various scientific journals like the National Library of Medicine have concluded that dental health is connected to a child’s academic performance.
One study performed by the American Journal of Public Health concluded that children miss as many as three days of school per year related to dental problems. As you may know, any lost time has to be made up at some point.
The same study concluded that children who miss school due to dental problems are up to four times more likely to have a lower grade point average than their healthy-toothed peers.
What are Other Scholastic Issues Caused by Dental Health?
There are other factors that affect your child’s school performance beyond time lost. These are mostly psychological and can cause major distractions for your student at home and at school.
Feelings of Guilt
Dental problems can lead to children feeling guilty, especially if they believe they are responsible for their dental issues and have done something “bad.” This guilt can weigh on their minds, making it difficult to focus on schoolwork.
Issues With Self-Worth
Poor dental health can impact a child’s self-worth, as they may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance. This can lead to social anxiety and difficulty interacting with other kids, further hindering their academic performance.
Social Isolation
Children with visible dental problems may experience intense bullying, affecting their self-esteem and willingness to attend school.
Difficulty in Communication
Dental issues can interfere with a child’s ability to speak clearly, potentially leading to communication difficulties in the classroom.
Pain and Discomfort
Dental pain, such as toothaches or gum infections, can be incredibly distracting for children. They may find it challenging to concentrate on their studies when they are in pain.
These are all issues your child could face—or may already be facing—that could lead to poor school performance. It’s easy to forget that children are complicated, and they may not be able to tell you everything they’re going through.
Before school starts, take them on a trip to the dentist’s office for a checkup. This will give both of you peace of mind and help prepare for the year ahead.
About the Author
Dr. Geoffrey Iverson is a distinguished dentist with a long and decorated career. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, worked as a dental lab technician, and eventually served on the Minnesota Dental Association’s Scientific Sessions Committee to further dental education. He’s also worked as a Clinical Professor of Operative Dentistry and holds memberships in multiple professional organizations. To schedule a checkup with him at Geoffrey A. Iverson, DDS, call (507) 364-7424 or visit the website to discover more services.