Oral Health and School Readiness

Poor oral health can affect a child’s attendance, grades, and overall performance in school. According to the California Health Interview Survey, in 2022, 351,000 children and teens missed at least one or more days of school due to dental problems. Children with poor dental health may:

  • Miss more school and receive lower grades than children with good dental health.
  • Have difficulty eating, talking, and concentrating in school.
  • Develop an infection that can affect their overall health.

The good news is that tooth decay among children is preventable! Teaching your child good dental care habits at a young age is important. Children with good oral health are ready to learn. Follow these steps:

  • Help your child brush their teeth. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste with the Seal of Acceptance from the ADA. Help your child gently brush the inner, outer, and chewing surface of their teeth using small circles. Brush for two (2) minutes, twice (2) a day.
  • Teach your child to floss. Children need to clean between their teeth every day to remove plaque and food that a brush can’t reach. Click here for guidance on flossing.
  • Prioritize dental checkups.  Visiting the dentist every 6 months can help identify and treat dental problems before they become painful and costly. The dentist can also answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental care.

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The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment

The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) is a dental screening for children entering public school for the first time in TK, Kindergarten, or First Grade. It is not a dental exam with X-rays and does not involve making a treatment plan. It is an assessment for signs of tooth decay. The KOHA also identifies children needing urgent dental care and helps parents find a dental home for their children.

The KOHA dental screening consists of a form provided with the kindergarten registration packet. The form can be completed by a dental office or through a school with a School Dental Program. Speak with your child’s dentist or school office staff to learn more.

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Brush, Book, and Bed

Routines may ease the stress that some families experience at bedtime. Having a predictable nighttime routine can help your child understand and learn to expect what comes next.

Brush, Book, Bed: How to Structure Your Child’s Nighttime Routine is a program from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends this simple three-step ritual at the end of the day:

1. Brush. Each night, help your children brush their teeth. ​​All young children need help with brushing from an adult to prevent tooth decay. Remember, once teeth touch, they also need to be flossed.

2. Book.  After toothbrushing and before bed, read a book. Find a comfortable spot to sit and read with your child. Spending some time, even just 15 minutes each day, to read aloud together will help improve your child’s language development and social-emotional skills.

3. Bed. Get to bed at a regular time each night. Sleep is very important for your child’s health and well-being. In fact, good sleep habits start from birth.

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