Brush Up on Oral Health (BUOH)

A healthy mouth is important for adults’ overall health and well-being. When adults have a healthy mouth, they can speak clearly, eat healthy foods, look healthy, and feel good about themselves.

Explore strategies that Head Start staff can use to promote good oral health among children and parents.

Explore information and strategies on improving and maintaining the oral health of infants. Head Start staff can use these tip sheets in the classroom and to share with parents

Discover information and strategies Head Start staff can use in the classroom and share with parents on improving and maintaining the oral health of children, including children with disabilities.

Explore information and strategies Head Start staff can use to help pregnant women and parents find oral health care, prepare for dental visits, and prepare for oral health issues during a natural disaster.

Learn about the role of fluoride — including fluoride toothpaste, fluoride supplements, fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, and community water fluoridation — in the prevention and treatment of tooth decay.

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

Review this tip sheet to learn why dental visits at age 1 are key to a child’s healthy development. Find ways to explain to parents what happens during the dental visit.

Teething happens when a baby’s primary teeth push through the gums into the baby’s mouth. Learn about teething and tips to comfort a baby who has teething pain.

Primary teeth are key to a child’s growth and development. Head Start staff play a vital role in helping parents understand the importance of primary teeth to good oral health and overall health and well-being.