THE ORAL HEALTH AND SCHOOL PERFORMANCE CONNECTION

It’s back to school time, and as a parent, you want the best for your children in school. There are many ways you can support your child in school, you can take an interest in their activities, be enthusiastic about attendance, and help 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

One study in North Carolina looked at risk factors for poor school performance among school-aged children. As expected, the study found poor school performance linked to low socioeconomic status, low levels of parental education, and poor overall health. However, it also found a strong link between poor oral health and poor school performance, with children classified as having poor oral health 40 percent more likely struggle in school.

These findings are generalizable to the rest of the country. For example, attendance is an important factor in academic achievement, but dental conditions are responsible for a loss 51 million school hours among schoolchildren each year. Dental pain and infection are linked to poorer performance.

School-Based Programs to Promote Oral Health

Considering the apparent benefits of good oral health for school performance, some schools are taking steps to promote better oral care and health. In Maine, for instance, schools in need can apply for grants through School Oral Health Program (SOHP). The SOHP consists of four components:

1.     Oral health education for all children to support healthy behaviors

2.     A weekly fluoride mouth rinse to strengthen teeth

3.     Dental screenings to identify children who may need dental care

4.     Dental sealants, or plastic coatings, on back teeth to guard against decay

The State of Maine also supports an “Annual Sugar Out Day” to raise awareness of the effects of sugar on dental health and to help students choose low-sugar alternatives.

Oral Health Habits to Adopt

You can help your child improve their oral health and do better in school by encouraging good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and reminding your child to drink water after eating. Also, regular trips to our Cedarhurst, NY office can help prevent serious tooth problems.

Start the school year off right and call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

How Fruit Juice Affects Your Teeth

As a healthy alternative to soda and sports juice, fruit juice is often enjoyed. The downside is that juice is extremely acidic and can damage the enamel on your teeth. The acid in juice begins to erode your teeth as soon as it washes over them. Enamel is made of mineral crystals that are densely packed. These crystals cannot grow back, so once they are damaged, they cannot heal or be restored.  

Eroded enamel exposes the yellow dentin underneath, and the damage is more than just cosmetic. Your teeth can become sensitive each time you eat or drink something hot, cold, spicy, sweet, sour or acidic. According to the National Institutes of Health, juice isn’t the only beverage that can damage teeth: Even just one soda a day can also erode enamel as can wine, energy drinks and fruit smoothies. Low-acid alternatives such as tea, water and milk are better options.  

Tips to help avoid damage to your teeth:

When you do drink something that is acidic, use a straw. This limits the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth.

Drink your juice with food rather than between mealtimes, and after your meal, rinse your mouth with water to get rid of any lingering acids in your mouth.

After eating, wait about half an hour to give your saliva time to neutralize remaining acids, and then brush your teeth.  

Keep your enamel strong by brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and have a fluoride treatment once or twice a year to help fight tooth enamel decay.

If you have already suffered enamel erosion, there is hope. You can use an enamel restoring toothpaste to strengthen the remaining enamel on your teeth, and you might benefit from fluoride treatments, which can help remineralize the enamel as well. If the damage is extensive, we might recommend fillings, bondings, veneers or other restorations to protect the worn enamel.

If you have questions regarding fruit juice and how foods affect your teeth, please ask our Cedarhurst, NY team for advice.

Call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/