Brushing Your Child's Teeth
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay (cavities). Learn when to begin brushing a child’s teeth and how often.
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.
Using Silver Diamine Fluoride on Children's Teeth
This handout for parents describes silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and how it can be used to prevent and treat tooth decay. It also describes the benefits of using SDF on young children.
How Dental Hygienists Can Improve Oral Health for Head Start Participants
Find out how dental hygienists can work in partnership with Head Start programs to improve oral health for enrolled children and expectant families.
How Dentists Can Improve Oral Health for Head Start Participants
Learn how dentists can work in partnership with Head Start programs to improve oral health for enrolled children and expectant families.
How Medical Providers Can Help Improve Oral Health for Head Start Participants
See how medical providers like physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and physician assistants can work in partnership with Head Start programs to improve oral health for enrolled children and expectant families.
Making Toothbrushing Part of Your Child's Bedtime Routine
A regular bedtime routine helps your child know what to expect at the end of the day. Brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste is an important part of the routine.
Helping Children Stop Using a Pacifier
Long term use of pacifiers can affect your child’s bite and the growth of the jaws and bones that support their teeth. If your child shows no interest in giving up their pacifier by 18 months, they may need help to stop.
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.
Improving Oral Health for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Children and Their Families
Learn how partnerships can increase access to oral health services for children in Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs. Find information about oral health care, financing oral health care, and planning ahead.