Preparing your kids for back-to-school season might mean getting them out of bed, especially kids who are learning remotely for Fall 2020. However, it’s also a perfect time to visit the dentist for a routine cleaning because healthy teeth might just improve their grades and overall health.

Their grades? Yes, their grades — dental pain or discomfort can easily distract kids, and check-ups often interfere with a kids’ academic schedule. A dentist can identify potential issues that may arise in order to prevent future pain for your child. By arranging an appointment before the school year starts, your child won’t be missing any school, and they’ll be able to stay focused on their studies, pain-free.

A healthy mouth also has a lot to do with a healthy body. Studies have shown that saliva is a far better diagnostic tool than most people realize: It can detect early signs and symptoms of systemic disease (i.e., diseases that affect the whole body rather than just one part), such as diabetes, cancer, even Parkinson’s, or cirrhosis of the liver. Research suggests that plaque and oral infections can lead to cardiovascular disease and preterm birth.

Stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders have decreased the number of family dentist visits, which means more children are put at risk for poor dental health, and it may potentially affect their long-term health if unaddressed.

That’s why maintaining your children’s dental checkups is vital; they help your children to not only grow up with healthy teeth but also stay inspired to maintain them. And as an AFEUSA member, it’s easy to make these routine dentist appointments affordable. Join the AFEUSA family, and save on your dental and vision plans with Careington.