Brushing Your Child's Teeth
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay (cavities). Learn when to begin brushing a child’s teeth and how often.
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.
Using Silver Diamine Fluoride on Children's Teeth
This handout for parents describes silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and how it can be used to prevent and treat tooth decay. It also describes the benefits of using SDF on young children.
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 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 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.
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.