Set Your Child Up for Academic Success with Good Oral Health

Instilling healthy oral care habits in children should begin as early as infancy. By encouraging your little one to practice good oral hygiene, you can help them maintain a beautiful grin that lasts for life. Plus, it has more benefits beyond that! Recent studies show that children with poor oral health are associated with reduced school performance and psychosocial well-being. One report even found that over 51 million school hours are lost yearly to dental-related conditions. Luckily, a healthy smile can set your child up for academic success – your children’s dentist in Vienna shares a few tips.

Develop an Oral Hygiene Routine

Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most chronic childhood conditions? It’s four times more common than asthma! Fortunately, it’s easily preventable with good oral hygiene. Teach your child the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Since they might not understand the concept of time, help them establish a routine by having them brush and floss at the same time every day. Eventually, they’ll be following these practices on their own!

Make Brushing Fun

Some children might resist brushing their teeth because it feels like a chore. Next time you go shopping for oral care essentials, bring your child along and allow them to pick out their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. They can choose a toothbrush that lights up, plays music, or has their favorite character on it, giving them something to look forward to every time they brush!

Pack a Healthy Lunch

Lunchtime is one of the most crucial parts of your child’s day. If they frequently eat a sugar-filled meal, it can wreak havoc on their smile over time. Consider sending your little one to school with a healthy lunch! Include foods like deli meats, whole-grain bread, cheese, pretzels, nuts, plain yogurt, and fresh fruits and vegetables. They’ll keep your child’s mouth and belly happy!

Protect Against Oral Injuries

If your child is active in organized sports or other physical activities, make sure they’re well-equipped with a mouthguard. Any activity that involves balls, bats, and physical contact can lead to chipped or broken teeth, fractured roots, and cut lips. Before the season starts, have your child custom-fitted for a mouthguard to prevent these accidents.

Schedule a Routine Checkup

Although at-home dental care is incredibly important, so are regular dental visits. The beginning of the school year is the perfect time for a routine checkup! Your children’s dentist can deep clean your child’s teeth and perform an oral examination to address any issues that can become complications down the line.

Don’t let your child’s oral health interfere with their time in school. By following the tips outlined above, your little one can enjoy a bright, healthy smile all year long!

About the Practice

At Pace Dental of Vienna, we combine modern techniques and technologies with old-fashioned hospitality. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed during every dental visit. We offer a wide range of services and have everything you and your family need to achieve a healthy smile. Before the school year starts, bring your child in for a routine checkup! We’ll make sure their oral health is in good shape and will not be a problem during the year. Visit our website or call (703) 705-7476 to schedule an appointment.