As a parent, you want to make sure your child has good oral health. Without healthy teeth and gums, your little one may have more difficulties in many aspects of life, including school. The children’s dentist at Keiki Dental in Ewa Beach, HI, explains how poor dental health can impact your child’s school performance.

Why Kids With Poor Oral Health Do Worse in the Classroom

Children with oral health problems, like cavities and gum disease, tend to do worse in the classroom than children with optimal dental health. When dealing with something as painful as tooth decay, children will have trouble concentrating in class and absorbing the information their teacher tells them. As a result, they’ll receive lower grades on their tests and homework assignments. According to a Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC study, kids who complained about recent tooth pain were four times more likely than those with healthy teeth to have a grade point average below the median GPA of 2.8.

Dental issues can also cause children to miss school more often and fall behind in their studies. The same study reports that 11% of elementary school students who had insufficient access to a children’s dentist missed school because of poor oral health.

How to Improve Your Child’s Oral Health

To prevent your child’s grades from suffering, take extra steps to protect their oral health:

• Teach your child to brush and floss their teeth thoroughly every day. 
• Limit sugary snacks, like candy and donuts, because they contain high levels of sugar that feed bacteria. 
• Schedule checkups every six months for your little one with a children’s dentist.

If it has been more than six months since your child has had a checkup, bring them to see the children’s dentist at Keiki Dental. The practice provides various dentistry services, including routine cleanings and fillings, for children up to 15 years old. To help patients feel as comfortable as possible, the office is decorated with colorful murals and provides plenty of toys and books in the waiting area. Call (808) 680-9411 to set up an appointment, and visit the website to find out more information about their services.