This section offers information and strategies Head Start staff can use to improve families’ understanding of oral health’s impact on learning and to promote positive oral health practices in the classroom.

Teaching families about oral health throughout the program year is a valuable service that Head Start staff provide. Repeating messages reminds families about the importance of keeping their mouth healthy and how to do it.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and visiting the dental office regularly are ways to stay healthy. Eating healthy meals and snacks and drinking water containing fluoride are also important for good oral health.

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