Oral Health Promotion
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.
Displaying 30 results
Dental Visits
Resources here discuss visits to the dentist, a crucial part of children’s oral health. This collection covers the importance of the first dental visit and ongoing dental visits. A major goal of these resources is to help families establish a dental visit routine to promote good oral health and prevent disease. Also see resources on access to oral health care.
Promoting the Age 1 Dental Visit
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.
Following Up on Needed Oral Health Care
Learn why it is important to treat tooth decay in primary teeth and offers tips for Head Start staff to encourage parents to get follow-up care for their child.
Reducing Fear of Dental Visits
Explore why some parents may fear dental visits and avoid seeking care. Find tips on ways parents can overcome their fears.
Talking with Children About Dental Visits
Going to the dental office or clinic is a new and unfamiliar experience for children. Learn tips for helping young children prepare for a dental visit.
Understanding Use of Anesthesia and Sedation for Oral Health Services
Share this information with parents to help them ask the dentist if anesthesia or sedation should be used to treat their child’s tooth decay and what type should be used to make treatment safe and effective.
Understanding Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Discover information that Head Start staff can share with parents about how Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works.
Brush Up on Oral Health
These Brush Up on Oral Health tip sheets provide information on current practices and practical strategies to promote good oral health for pregnant women, children, and their families – both in the classroom and at home.
Getting Oral Health Treatment Is Important!
If your child’s dentist finds tooth decay and recommends a follow-up dental visit for treatment, it’s important for your child to get care. Receiving follow-up treatment is key to keeping your child healthy.
Visiting the Dentist by Age 1
A dental visit by age 1 is key for building a lifetime of good oral health. Tooth decay can be prevented or managed with early dental visits and with good oral hygiene.
