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Understanding Why Baby Teeth Are Important

Baby (primary) teeth are a child’s first set of teeth and by age 2½ to 3 years old, all 20 baby teeth will have come into the mouth. Taking care of a child’s baby teeth is important for their overall health and development.

Head Start Oral Health Forms

Use these forms to document dental home information and current oral health status and services; such as diagnostic and preventive services, counseling, restorative and emergency care, and referral to a specialist.

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. Use the resources below to promote a healthy mouth.

Embracing Our Future

Four children in Head Start programs are featured in this 18-minute streaming video about Head Start health services. Designed as training for parents, Health Services Advisory Committee members, staff, and Policy Council and Governing Bodies, the video provides a basic picture of the range of health services offered by Head Start.

Oral Health Resources for Staff

The tip sheet provides oral health best practices for infants, toddlers, and young children. Review information on how to handle basic oral health emergencies.

Oral Health Resources for Families

These resource materials can help families learn about oral health for pregnant women, infants and young children. Topics include dental visits, fluoride, nutrition, oral health care, oral hygiene, and safety and emergency first aid.

Getting Fluoride for Your Child

There are several important ways to make teeth strong and prevent tooth decay. These include drinking tap (faucet) water with fluoride, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and having a health professional apply fluoride varnish.

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Oral Health

A baby’s teeth start coming in at about 6 to 10 months old and it’s important to take care of their teeth. Learn about what you can do to keep baby teeth healthy.