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Oral Health

Child smiling while brushing her teeth.Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, but it's preventable. Children with dental pain can have trouble speaking clearly, eating, and learning. Resources in this collection cover the health of the mouth including the teeth, gums, and oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew.

These resources highlight some of the most common diseases that affect oral health, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.

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.

Steps for Toothbrushing at the Table

Toothbrushing at the classroom table is a quicker, more structured way to have children brush than individually at the sink. In this video, learn how to prepare, model, clean up, and store supplies.

Helping Children Brush Their Teeth

By following these steps, Head Start and other early child care staff can help young children develop toothbrushing routines in the classroom to prevent tooth decay.

 

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.

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Oral Health

A baby’s teeth start coming in at about 6 to 10 months old and it’s important to take care of their teeth. Learn about what you can do to keep baby teeth healthy.