Child Oral Health
Discover information and strategies Head Start staff can use in the classroom and share with parents on improving and maintaining the oral health of children, including children with disabilities.
These resources address practices that keep the mouth clean and healthy, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Topics include brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing (when the teeth touch), and regularly visiting the dentist.
Discover information and strategies Head Start staff can use in the classroom and share with parents on improving and maintaining the oral health of children, including children with disabilities.
Explore information and strategies Head Start staff can use to help pregnant women and parents find oral health care, prepare for dental visits, and prepare for oral health issues during a natural disaster.
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.
Explore information and strategies Head Start staff can use to improve parents’ understanding of oral health’s impact on learning and to promote positive oral health practices in the classroom.
Taking care of babies’ oral health is important. Care should start before the baby’s first tooth. Learn what to do to help promote good oral health for babies.
Find out how some oral habits may be harmful to children’s teeth and mouths. Explore tips staff can share with parents about using a pacifier safely and weaning their child from a pacifier.
Teething happens when a baby’s primary teeth push through the gums into the baby’s mouth. Learn about teething and tips to comfort a baby who has teething pain.
Primary teeth are key to a child’s growth and development. Head Start staff play a vital role in helping parents understand the importance of primary teeth to good oral health and overall health and well-being.
Learn about the oral health challenges that some children with disabilities face. Explore strategies Head Start staff and parents can use to address these challenges.
Explore how to prepare for oral emergencies before a disaster occurs, as well as how to deal with some oral health challenges that staff may face after a disaster.