What is one effect of poor oral health on children's nutritional status?

Poor oral health can lead to significant challenges in a child's ability to eat and maintain proper nutrition, primarily because dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or malocclusion can cause pain and discomfort while chewing and swallowing. When children experience oral pain, they may limit their diet to softer foods that are easier to consume, resulting in restricted food intake. This reduction in variety can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as children might avoid healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and proteins that might exacerbate their dental discomfort.

In contrast, options such as improvement in food choices or increased energy levels do not typically stem from poor oral health. Instead, children often gravitate toward less nutritious, softer foods due to pain, which can compromise their overall nutritional status and growth. Additionally, a decrease in dental snacks does not effectively address the broader implications of oral health on dietary habits and intake when oral pain is a factor. Thus, the correct answer reflects the direct consequence of pain caused by dental issues on the amount and type of food children are willing to consume.