Tooth Decay - Poor School Performance

Recent studies indicate that children who experience oral health problems such as tooth decay are more likely to have poor academic performance, in part because of an increase in the number of absences they experience.

Studies have shown that those missed hours can have a significant effect on overall school performance. Researchers found that children with oral health problems were three times as likely to miss school as their peers with good oral health. They also found that children who suffer infection and discomfort due to oral health problems had lower grades compared with children who had routine dental care—even if that routine care resulted in absences from school.

Beyond the issues of poor grades and missed school days, research has shown that children with poor oral health are more likely to have tooth and mouth problems as adults, which can wind up affecting their job performance.

Parents who want to maximize their child’s chances of success now and in the future need to make sure their child’s oral health is a priority. Regular examinations and preventive treatments are the first lines of defense in preventing decay, gum disease and other problems that can plague both children and adults.

If your child has missed school due to tooth or mouth pain, don’t delay: Call Dental Works 4 Kids today and schedule an appointment so your child can get the care needed to feel better and do better—academically, socially and in every area of life.