Brushing Your Child's Teeth
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay (cavities). Learn when to begin brushing a child’s teeth and how often.
Fluoride
These resources explain how Head Start programs can help families prevent tooth decay by using fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is present in public water (tap water), most toothpaste brands, and fluoride applied by health professionals.
Fluorides
Learn about the role of fluoride — including fluoride toothpaste, fluoride supplements, fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, and community water fluoridation — in the prevention and treatment of tooth decay.
I Like My Teeth Fluoride Posters
These posters are designed to share positive messages about drinking water with fluoride, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and children's oral health. Head Start and child care staff can use them as a teaching aid in Head Start and child care classrooms, and at parent events.
Getting Fluoride for Your Child
There are several important ways to make teeth strong and prevent tooth decay. These include drinking tap (faucet) water with fluoride, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and having a health professional apply fluoride varnish.