Teachers and Caregivers

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.

Learn how to support pregnant women and parents in obtaining, processing, and understanding information to make appropriate oral health decisions, taking into account families’ language and culture.

Review this tip sheet to learn why dental visits at age 1 are key to a child’s healthy development. Find ways to explain to parents what happens during the dental visit.

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 to recognize oral health signs of physical and sexual abuse and explore resources to help Head Start staff work with families to prevent child maltreatment.

Oral injuries to the face and mouth happen often among young children. Explore strategies Head Start staff can use to help prevent these injuries.

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.