Oral Hygiene

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.

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.

A healthy mouth is important for adults’ overall health and well-being. When adults have a healthy mouth, they can speak clearly, eat healthy foods, look healthy, and feel good about themselves.

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.

Toothbrushing in a Head Start classroom can be done at the sink or at the classroom table. Learn about the advantages of brushing at the classroom table and get step-by-step instructions for how to do this.

Having a regular bedtime routine helps children know what to expect at the end of the day. Brushing children's teeth is an important part of the routine. Explore recommendations for choosing children's books on oral health.