Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety

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.

Learn how fluoride works to prevent and repair tooth decay and find tips to help parents understand the benefits of fluoride.

Learn why drinking water is important for good oral health and find resources Head Start staff can use to promote drinking water.

Find out how some oral habits may be harmful to children’s teeth and mouths. Explore tips staff can share with parents about using a pacifier safely and weaning their child from a pacifier.

Learn how to support pregnant women and parents in obtaining, processing, and understanding information to make appropriate oral health decisions, taking into account families’ language and culture.

Every state has a dental hygienist liaison (DHL) to promote good oral health among Head Start participants. Learn about the role of DHLs and how they can help staff promote oral health and prevent oral disease.

Explore oral health problems related to smoking that can affect parents, pregnant women, and children and learn tips Head Start staff can use to help parents and pregnant women quit smoking.

Taking care of babies’ oral health is important. Care should start before the baby’s first tooth. Learn what to do to help promote good oral health for babies.

Learn why promoting oral health during home visits is important and find tips Head Start staff can use to promote oral health during home visits.

Explore common barriers to finding oral health care. Learn why regular dental visits are important and offers tips for Head Start staff to help pregnant women and parents find and use oral health care.