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.
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 Use of Anesthesia and Sedation for Oral Health Services
Share this information with parents to help them ask the dentist if anesthesia or sedation should be used to treat their child’s tooth decay and what type should be used to make treatment safe and effective.
Understanding Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Discover information that Head Start staff can share with parents about how Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) works.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Encouraging Your Child to Drink Water
Giving children water with fluoride helps keep their teeth healthy. Learn about fun and easy ways to encourage children to drink water with fluoride.