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This series of handouts for pregnant women and parents of infants and young children provides simple tips on oral health issues. Head Start and Early Head Start staff are encouraged to share the handouts with families to promote good oral health.
Long term use of pacifiers can affect your child’s bite and the growth of the jaws and bones that support their teeth. If your child shows no interest in giving up their pacifier by 18 months, they may need help to stop.
If your child’s dentist finds tooth decay and recommends a follow-up dental visit for treatment, it’s important for your child to get care. Receiving follow-up treatment is key to keeping your child healthy.
A dental visit by age 1 is key for building a lifetime of good oral health. Tooth decay can be prevented or managed with early dental visits and with good oral hygiene.
A regular bedtime routine helps your child know what to expect at the end of the day. Brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste is an important part of the routine.
Giving children water with fluoride helps keep their teeth healthy. Learn about fun and easy ways to encourage children to drink water with fluoride.
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.
It’s important for women to get oral health care during pregnancy. Getting oral health care, including cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and pain medication, is safe during pregnancy.
Visiting the dental clinic keeps children’s teeth and mouth healthy. Learn about how to find a dental clinic and the importance of regular dental visits.
Children who are often given sugary drinks are more likely to have tooth decay (cavities). Learn about which drinks have added sugar and which drinks (water and milk) are best for children.
Most oral injuries happen when young children are learning to walk, and the top front teeth are injured most often. Learn what to do for common oral injuries.