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.
Every state has a dental hygienist liaison (DHL) to promote good oral health among Head Start participants. Learn about the role of DHLs and how they can help staff promote oral health and prevent oral disease.
Explore oral health problems related to smoking that can affect parents, pregnant women, and children and learn tips Head Start staff can use to help parents and pregnant women quit smoking.
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.
Learn why promoting oral health during home visits is important and find tips Head Start staff can use to promote oral health during home visits.
Explore common barriers to finding oral health care. Learn why regular dental visits are important and offers tips for Head Start staff to help pregnant women and parents find and use oral health care.
Explore information and strategies Head Start staff can use to promote positive oral health practices among pregnant women, parents, and Head Start staff.
Learn about reasons women may not seek or receive oral health care when they are pregnant and strategies Head Start staff can use to help pregnant women achieve good oral health.
Medicaid and CHIP pay for oral health care for children enrolled in these programs. Learn tips Head Start staff can use to help parents find a dental office or clinic that accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
Learn about some oral health challenges pregnant women and children face in rural areas. Find tips Head Start staff can use to develop a plan to help families access oral health care.
Oral health providers maintain and improve the oral health of pregnant women and children. Learn how they can help Head Start staff achieve their oral health goals.