Brush Up on Oral Health
These Brush Up on Oral Health tip sheets provide information on current practices and practical strategies to promote good oral health for pregnant people, children, and their families – both in the classroom and at home.
Fluoride
These resources explain how Head Start programs can help families prevent tooth decay by using fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is present in public water (tap water), most toothpaste brands, and fluoride applied by health professionals.
Understanding How Fluoride Helps Prevent and Repair Tooth Decay
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.
Facilitating the Use of Fluoride Supplements
Learn about fluoride supplements and the role of Head Start staff in promoting them.
Encouraging Children to Drink Water
Learn why drinking water is important for good oral health and find resources Head Start staff can use to promote drinking water.
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.
Understanding Why Community Water Fluoridation Is Important
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.
Incorporating Toothbrushing in Bedtime Routines
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.
Five Key Oral Health Messages to Share with Pregnant Women and Parents
Learn about five simple oral health messages to share with pregnant women and parents. Find interactive activities to help reinforce key messages about maintaining good oral health during pregnancy.
I Like My Teeth Fluoride Posters
These posters are designed to share positive messages about drinking water with fluoride, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and children's oral health. Head Start and child care staff can use them as a teaching aid in Head Start and child care classrooms, and at parent events.
Fluoride
Learn about fluoride use for children and pregnant women. Discover why using fluoride is safe and effective and how people receive it. Also, find tips for working with families, and program policies and procedures.