A Guide to the Dental Periodicity Schedule and Oral Exam
In this guide, learn what a dental periodicity schedule is and the Head Start Program Performance Standards about oral exams.
Oral Health
Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, but it's preventable. Children with dental pain can have trouble speaking clearly, eating, and learning. Resources in this collection cover the health of the mouth including the teeth, gums, and oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew.
These resources highlight some of the most common diseases that affect oral health, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Getting to Know Me: Information for Your Dental Office While You Are Pregnant
Use this form to help pregnant women share important information about their pregnancy and oral health with dental office staff. It can help dental office staff best meet pregnant women’s oral health needs.
Checklist for Child Care Staff: Best Practices for Good Oral Health
The tip sheet provides oral health best practices for infants, toddlers, and young children. Review information on how to handle basic oral health emergencies.
Dental Hygienist Liaison Project
Learn more about the Dental Hygienist Liaison (DHL) project. Find out how DHLs can help promote oral health for pregnant women and children enrolled in Head Start programs.
Getting to Know Me: Information for Your Child’s Dental Office
Parents can use this form to share information about their child with dental office staff to help them meet the child’s needs. Find questions about things that might bother the child about visiting the dentist.
Oral Health: Health Tips for Families
This fact sheet provides tips to help families ensure that their children's oral health begins in infancy.
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.
Understanding Why Baby Teeth Are Important
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.
Getting Fluoride for Your Child
There are several important ways to make teeth strong and prevent tooth decay. These include drinking tap (faucet) water with fluoride, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and having a health professional apply fluoride varnish.
Taking Care of Your Baby’s Oral Health
A baby’s teeth start coming in at about 6 to 10 months old and it’s important to take care of their teeth. Learn about what you can do to keep baby teeth healthy.