Can Poor Oral Hygiene Affect Your Child's Performance at School?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Most parents associate their child’s oral health in conjunction with appearances. Good oral health means a great school year photo. But did you realize that oral hygiene could also affect your child’s performance in school?

A recent study that involved 1,500 financially disadvantaged students, conducted by the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has shown that children who have cavities had issues with both school attendance and grades. On an average, the study found that students with painful cavities had three more school absences than those students without dental issues. So parents now have one more reason to take dental hygiene seriously. 

Pediatric Dentistry suggests that parents find out if their child’s school includes oral health education in its curriculum. Being part of the curriculum will only underscore the value of good oral health in your child’s mind.

Additionally poor dental health has also been linked to immune system problems and infectious diseases. Therefore it is imperative that you teach your child the proper method of brushing teeth as well as flossing. Also make sure your child visits an orthodontist/dentist regularly.