Kids with Healthy Teeth Have Fewer Sick Days

Children’s oral health matters for school success.

According to the 2023 California Health Interview Survey, 469,000 children and teens missed at least one or more days of school in the past year due to dental problems.

Pain from tooth decay can cause more missed school days. It can make it hard for children to focus and learn, which can affect their school success. Imagine how hard it would be to be in class with a toothache. Untreated cavities can cause infections, which can also affect children’s overall health.

Tooth decay is the most chronic yet preventable health care need among California’s children (CDE). Kids learn better when their teeth are healthy. Good dental care habits can help children reduce school absences due to tooth pain. They can also help children chew food easily, speak clearly, and get enough sleep, which are important for school success.

August marks the start of a new school year for many children. Help your children brush and floss daily to maintain a healthy smile. Below are 3 ways parents and caregivers can help their children with their dental care to reduce missed school days and have better school success.

1. Help your child with their daily dental care

• Help your child brush their teeth 2 times a day, for 2 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Children 3 years and older only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Click here for a short video with steps to help your child brush their teeth properly. The best time to brush is before bed.
• Help your child floss daily. Flossing helps remove food and plaque in areas between teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Cavities between teeth are often caused by trapped food and plaque buildup. Click here for a video to help your child floss.

2. Provide your child with nutritious food and drink options

• Serve meals from the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy foods. Limit foods that are high in sugar, such as cookies and other sweets.
• Have healthy snacks handy. Cheese sticks, raw veggies, fresh fruit, and whole grain cereals can make a healthy lunch or afterschool treat. Click here for tips on choosing healthy snacks for kids.
• Offer healthy drink options. Juice, soda, and sports drinks have added sugar. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that cause cavities. Milk and water are better options.

3. Visit the dentist every 6 months

• Dental exams can find and treat early signs of tooth decay. They can also prevent future dental issues.
• Dental visits may include a dental cleaning, molar sealants, and fluoride varnish applications. Molar sealants can protect teeth from cavities up to 80% for 2 years (CDC).
• During your child’s dental visits, the dentist can explain the steps to proper dental care to you and your child.

Good dental care habits can help reduce missed school days due to tooth decay. Reduced missed school days also means fewer missed workdays for caregivers and parents. As you help your child prepare for a new school year, please support him or her with their dental care for a healthy smile that can last them a lifetime.