Imagine that you’re taking a math test back in fifth grade. You’ve studied hard for the past week and got plenty of rest the night before. You defeat every equation easily, but a toothache hits hard when you’re in the middle of question twelve. This sharp, throbbing pain destroys all your concentration, but you plow through the test as best as you can. A week later, that test that should have been an A comes back marked as a C.
This nightmare scenario can be all too real for many students, but scheduling a dental appointment for your child before school starts can prevent it from happening. Read on to learn how excellent oral health can help your child get good grades.
If You Want Good Grades, You Have to Show Up to Class
The average student misses about six days of school every year, with about two of those being due to dental concerns. Children need a guardian present for their dental appointments, so a child’s poor dental health can cut into a parent’s work schedule as well as school attendance. By taking your child to the dentist’s office before a dental emergency strikes, you’re setting them up to not miss school by taking care of small issues before they become major concerns.
The Back-to-School Season Is Great for Establishing Good Habits
Summer is a time-honored season full of late nights, popsicles, days spent with friends, and plenty of time to procrastinate. While it’s great for unwinding after a busy school year, it can also allow good oral hygiene habits to slip. A dental exam before school starts can remind your child why it is so important to take care of their teeth. The structure of the new school year can make it easier to stick to a rigorous oral hygiene routine by allowing for much less procrastination.
A Mouthguard Can Prevent Dental Emergencies While Playing Sports
Sports are a great way for a kid to get exercise and learn about teamwork, but they can be dangerous for teeth. Soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and hockey all have reputations for causing dental injuries. Luckily, your dentist can provide your child with a customized mouthguard superior to anything that can be bought at the store. A young athlete wearing one of these can hit the field with the confidence that comes with knowing that their smile is secure.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to dental emergencies, and your family dentist has much prevention to provide. A thorough dental exam before school starts can set your child up for a successful school year and a lifetime with a healthy smile afterward.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University and has served the Stephens City area for several decades. He is a current member of the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International College of Dentists. His practice offers general, cosmetic, restorative, emergency, and pediatric dentistry. To schedule your child for a dental exam before school starts, contact his office online or dial (540) 869-4377.