By Dr. Mariliza LaCap
The answer is a resounding YES!
August is the perfect time to prepare your children for back to school. As a parent, you want the best for your children, and that includes doing their best in school. You can support them by taking an interest in their activities, being enthusiastic about attendance, and helping them with homework. There may also be one more way you can help your children succeed at school. Surprisingly, research suggests that children with better oral health are likely to do better in school.
What the Research Says
In volume 161, issue 6 in the Journal of Pediatrics, the study concluded that dental
problems were significantly associated with reductions in school performance and psychosocial well-being. Children with undiagnosed dental problems and infections were more likely to have problems at school, miss school and were less likely to do all required homework. This was prevalent with children 14 years and younger since this age group seldom complains to their parents about dental pain.
Dental malocclusion (crooked teeth) was also associated with shyness, unhappiness, feeling of worthlessness, and reduced friendliness. The effects of dental malocclusion (crooked teeth) were largest for adolescents between 15 and 17 years. The study concluded that preventing and treating dental problems and improving dental health may benefit child academic achievement and cognitive and psychosocial development.
What our office is doing to help at Smile More Dentistry and Smile More Kidz
In light of the apparent benefits of good oral health for school performance, we have taken a proactive approach in helping parents give their children a head start. We have made it convenient for the whole family to get all their dental needs met under one roof. We have all the specialties needed for adult dentistry. Our smile team also includes a Pediatric dentist (dentist for children) and Orthodontist (a dentist who specializes in straightening children’s teeth),
- Free early screening of dental decay as early as 1 years old.
- “Toddler Thursdays” where we teach parents and toddlers good oral hygiene through an interactive puppet show.
- Early screening for Orthodontic care
- Dental sealants, or plastic coatings, on back teeth to guard against decay
- Oral hygeine and nutritional counseling
- FUN and friendly smile team so visits are stress free and comfortable.
What you can do to help
You can help your child improve oral health and do better in school by encouraging good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste and reminding your child to drink water after eating. Also, regular trips to our office (the American Dental Association recommends every six months) can help prevent serious tooth problems and dental pain.
We look forward to meeting you and your family. Visit us in 2 convenient locations: 19 Legion Drive, Bergenfield, NJ 07621. Contact us at WashingtonDental Associates.com or call 201-817-5093.
140 Oak Tree Rd., Tappan, NY 10983. Please call us 845-295-5023. Have a question? We are here to help!