As you prepare your student to head back to the classroom, you have a long to-do list to get them ready for a successful year ahead. While a backpack, pencils, and other supplies are at the top of the list, what about their dental health? You might be surprised to learn a healthy smile can impact their classroom performance, as well as their quality of life. Before your schedule becomes too busy with homework and extracurricular activities, now is the perfect time to visit their dentist in Corpus Christi for a cleaning and checkup.
Importance of Routine Dental Care
You know you need to visit your dentist twice a year for a preventive appointment, but your child’s smile also relies on routine care. The American Dental Association recommends everyone over the age of 2 sees their dentist every 6 months. Although you may not think your child needs to go because their primary teeth eventually fall out, they serve an important role while they are in place.
The baby teeth help your child learn how to chew, speak, and swallow correctly. They also act as placeholders for the permanent teeth. The biggest threat to the health of their teeth is decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 20% of children 5 to 11 years old and 13% of children 12 to 19 years of age currently have at least 1 untreated cavity.
Routine dental care allows their dentist to monitor their oral health to detect areas of concern soon, like tooth decay. Prompt intervention not only saves their smile from damage, but it also influences their school performance.
Oral Health and School Performance
Research shows poor dental health can increase a child’s risk of missed school days and lower grades. On average, children with poor oral health miss 2 days of school per year because of dental problems. Besides school absences, a study found children who have recent tooth pain are 4 times as likely to have an average grade point average of 2.8 when compared to children who don’t have oral pain.
Dentist Near Me for a Healthy Smile
Even if you don’t currently have any concerns about your child’s oral health, there’s no better time than now to schedule their next preventive visit. Their dentist performs a professional cleaning to remove any accumulations left behind by their toothbrush and floss. They also ensure there are no issues lingering in their mouth that can lead to an emergency dental visit throughout the school year.
Make sure a healthy, beautiful smile is at the top of your child’s back-to-school to-do list. Schedule their appointment today.
About Dr. Sarah Pitarra
Dr. Sarah Pitarra is a trusted member of the community for high-quality dental care. Supported by extensive training and experience, she is also an active member of various dental organizations, including the American Dental Association. She treats patients of all ages to create generations of healthy smiles. If your child needs a cleaning and checkup before the new school year, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.