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"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. 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 Katina Morellis, DDS, dental director for Delta Dental of Illinois.

With a new school year approaching, Dr. Morelli 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 and flossing daily, she also suggests parents think about scheduling that next regular dental checkup for their kids.

In between visits to the dentist, caregivers should 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," Dr. Morelli said. "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. Morelli 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," she said.