Article

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.

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.

Discover information that Head Start staff can share with parents about how Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works.

Learn why drinking water is important for good oral health and find resources Head Start staff can use to promote drinking water.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this issue, learn how programs can use case management to improve the oral health of children in Head Start programs. Find out how case managers and parents can work together to meet children’s oral health needs.