PAINFUL TEETH CAN HAVE EFFECT
IN THE CLASSROOM
-Children's ability to learn can be compromised by dental illness-
PARSIPPANY, NJ (August 2, 2006) – "Do
your teeth hurt?" It's not a question
one expects to hear from a teacher trying to
troubleshoot poor academic performance, but
perhaps it ought to be. Each year more than
50 million school hours are lost by students
whose dental-related illnesses cause them to
stay home or seek professional care during
school hours. In cases where pain is not intense
enough to keep children out of school, it might
still distract them in the classroom.
"Poor oral health is a very real distraction
and can cause some children to have a difficult
time participating or concentrating in the
classroom," said Scott Navarro, D.D.S.,
dental director, Delta Dental of New Jersey.
With a new school year approaching, Dr. Navarro
urges parents and other caregivers to help
children maintain good oral health. Along with
promoting the basics of dental hygiene, such
as brushing after every meal, flossing daily
and regularly scheduling dentist checkups,
he suggests caregivers also monitor children's
oral health or changes in behavior that might
signify pain or discomfort.
"Parents should regularly check children's
mouths for any signs of concern," said
Dr. Navarro. "They should look to see
whether gums are bleeding, swollen or bright
red. Persistent bad breath or gums that have
receded from the teeth could also be signs
of oral infection."
Such signs warrant a discussion or appointment
with a dentist.
Packing healthy lunches and limiting the consumption
of sugary beverages can also help parents prevent
problems associated with childhood tooth decay.
"Untreated dental diseases can cause
chewing problems, which in turn could restrict
a child's ability to get all the necessary
nutrients from food," Dr. Navarro said. "Left
untreated, cavities, gum disease or other oral
infections might not only distract students
in class, but could eventually impair speech
development and even hinder social development," he
said.
About Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc.
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s
and Connecticut's leading dental benefits carrier,
providing coverage to more than one million
people through contracts with employers in
New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental
system offers seamless dental benefits administration
for employer groups throughout the country
and the largest network of credentialed dentists
in the nation. For more information visit us
on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com
