Kids Continue to Miss School Because of Dental Problems

Revised August 2021

The oral health state of America’s elementary and secondary students leaves a bad taste in the mouth:

• Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease for children and youth ages 5 through 19, outpacing asthma and hay fever.

• Poor oral health negatively affects academic performance. Elementary students distracted in class or absent from school because of dental pain were observed to have lower grade-point averages compared to their peers without oral health issues.

Dental problems affect daily life

Toothaches can impair not only a child’s overall health and well-being but make life miserable for adults, too. If you have frequent pain and discomfort in the mouth, you may also experience

• decreased ability to concentrate
• decreased self-confidence from an unhealthy smile
• decreased performance or productivity at work
• change in your ability to speak correctly.

• Dental-related problems are the #1 reason for K-12 students to miss school, exceeding 51 million hours each year. 

How to prevent dental problems in children

Despite these alarming figures, tooth decay is largely preventable with regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Dental sealants also help decrease tooth decay in children. 

Twice-annual visits to a dentist are recommended for most people. Try scheduling one of those visits for your children at the end of the summer, just before they are heading back to school. Here is why. Delta Dental of Arkansas covers those preventive care visits and cleanings at little to no cost to its members.

If you are among the parents who say it’s harder to get their kids to brush their teeth and floss than to get them to do their homework or make their bed, try these tips:

• Remember that you are your children’s best role model. Good oral hygiene starts at home. If you brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once daily and use mouthwash regularly, and visit the dentist twice a year, your children will learn these good habits from you.
• Show your kiddos this series of short, animated videos on YouTube for dental tips and know-how.
• Challenge them to participate in one or all of our Say No to Cavities activities. 

Good dental health is vital to your children’s development. Starting good oral health habits now will lead to a healthier smile throughout their lives.

Never miss useful tips for a healthy smile

Our monthly Chatter offers practical infographics with best oral health tips and advice from Delta Dental of Arkansas. You can take a look at some past issues and sign up here.