Montclair, California — Discussions about improving student performance often focus on curriculum design, class size, testing, teacher salaries, and technology. But experts point to a more subtle factor—children’s oral health—that plays a crucial role in everyday learning.
A dentist in Montclair frequently encounters children whose attention is affected by untreated dental problems. Many children come to school in pain, fatigue, and embarrassment, struggling to concentrate or participate in classroom activities. She says these children are not isolated cases, but rather represent a widespread and preventable problem impacting student academic performance.
Research supports this view. A 2019 meta-analysis found that children with untreated cavities were more likely to experience poor academic performance and absenteeism. Other studies have also shown that dental problems are associated with declining grades, incomplete assignments, and poor mental health.
“Toothache can affect sleep, nutrition, concentration, and mood regulation,” the doctor says. Children with toothaches often miss school or are inattentive even when they are. The *American Journal of Public Health* reports that children with poor oral health are almost three times more likely to miss school than their healthy peers.
Beyond school absences, noticeable dental problems can lead to feelings of inferiority in children, reducing their motivation to participate in classroom activities and engage in verbal expression. Frequent emergency dental visits can create a vicious cycle of academic and social setbacks for students.
Poor oral health is particularly impactful for low-income families and communities with limited healthcare resources. Despite California’s Medi-Cal dental insurance, low reimbursement rates and a shortage of dentists make timely access to care difficult. In 2022, less than half of Medi-Cal beneficiaries received preventative dental checkups. Many families often face long wait times or need to contact multiple clinics to find appropriate treatment.
Minor dental problems can develop into painful infections, impacting a child’s learning. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among American children. When dental problems are combined with socioeconomic disadvantages, untreated dental issues become a serious public health problem. For example, Hispanic children in California are almost twice as likely to have untreated cavities as white children.
Experts say that to improve educational outcomes, oral health must be integrated into the school education system. School-based preventative services, screenings, fluoride treatments, and fissure sealant programs can help detect problems early.
California’s “Virtual Dental Home” program is a prime example. Dental hygienists and assistants visit schools, daycare centers, and community facilities to conduct checkups and collect diagnostic data. Dentists then provide advice on preventative and restorative care and refer children requiring more complex treatment to other clinics. If such programs can be scaled up and adequately funded, they can reduce student absenteeism and prevent dental emergencies.
Policy reform is also crucial. Increased reimbursement rates will enable more dentists to serve low-income families. Integrating dental screenings with school health services, including vision and hearing checks, can help detect problems early. Providing comprehensive oral health education to parents, teachers, and guardians can strengthen prevention efforts at home and in schools.
“Expecting a child with a toothache to succeed academically is like expecting a child with vision or hearing problems to learn without help,” said [Name] dentist.
Experts agree that ensuring children’s health, comfort, and ability to concentrate are fundamental to education. They state that oral health should no longer be neglected.
