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.
Oral Health
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.
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.
Encouraging Children to Drink Water
Learn why drinking water is important for good oral health and find resources Head Start staff can use to promote drinking water.
Incorporating Toothbrushing in Bedtime Routines
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.
Understanding Why Community Water Fluoridation Is Important
Fluoride is an element found in nature, including soil, rocks, and plants, and it prevents tooth decay. All water naturally has fluoride, but amounts vary. Learn more about the importance of fluoride and community water fluoridation.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Examine the factors that cause and protect teeth from tooth decay. Find out why it is important to balance these factors and to share this information with parents.
Choosing Healthy Drinks
Learn how to choose healthy drinks. Head Start staff can help parents prevent tooth decay by promoting healthy drink choices, such as milk and fluoridated water, and limiting drinks with added sugar.
Understanding How Fluoride Helps Prevent and Repair Tooth Decay
Learn how fluoride works to prevent and repair tooth decay and tips Head Start staff can use to help parents understand the benefits of fluoride.