Identifying Oral Health Signs of Child Maltreatment
Learn to recognize oral health signs of physical and sexual abuse and explore resources to help Head Start staff work with families to prevent child maltreatment.
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.
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.
Engaging Parents in Their Child's Oral Health
Learn why it is important for parents to be engaged in their child’s oral health and explore strategies and resources Head Start staff can use to engage parents in their child’s oral health.
Promoting Oral Health and School Readiness
School readiness begins with health because a child must be healthy to be ready to learn. Oral health impacts overall development and plays an important role in a child’s school readiness.
Promoting Oral Health for Adults
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.
Promoting Oral Health in Head Start Programs and at Home
Explore strategies that Head Start staff can use to promote good oral health among children and parents.
Infant Oral Health
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
Child Oral Health
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.
Oral Health Care
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.
Fluorides
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.
Oral Health Promotion
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.