Head Start Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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The following is a compilation of oral health questions that Head Start program staff ask frequently. Citations of relevant Head Start Program Performance Standards and references are included.

Children with Special Health Care Needs

Are there special aids to make it easier for parents and caregivers to clean the teeth and gums of children with special health care needs?
Are there ways to position children with special health care needs to make it easier for a parent or caregiver to effectively brush the child's teeth?
What oral health issues and challenges do children with special health care needs commonly face?

Dental Home/Dental Visits

Dental Hygienists
What is the role of dental hygienists in Head Start programs?

Dental Insurance/Medicaid

Fluoride

Infection Control

Should staff wear gloves when they brush children’s teeth? If they wear gloves, should staff discard the gloves after assisting each child?

Injury blocks

Nutrition

Can foods high in sugar cause tooth decay?

Oral Development

What are the symptoms of teething? What can be done to ease the soreness of teething?

Oral Examination

How should Head Start programs document children's oral examinations and progress in completing needed follow-up care?

Oral Hygiene

Pregnancy

Primary Teeth

Why is it important to care for primary teeth when they will be replaced by permanent

Toothbrush Storage/Toothbrushing

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	Library Publications MCHB-Funded Projects Grants Administration TOHSS Head Start Alert Newsletter FAQs Links Bright Futures Toolbox Electronic Lists & Newsletters Links About Us FAQs Contact	A⁺ a^- Head Start Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Glossary Feedback We appreciate your feedback on these FAQs Submissions Readers are welcome to submit ideas for new FAQs The following is a compilation of oral health questions that Head Start program staff ask frequently. Citations of relevant Head Start Program Performance Standards and references are included. Children with Special Health Care Needs Are there special aids to make it easier for parents and caregivers to clean the teeth and gums of children with special health care needs? Are there ways to position children with special health care needs to make it easier for a parent or caregiver to effectively brush the child's teeth? What oral health issues and challenges do children with special health care needs commonly face? Dental Home/Dental Visits What is a dental home? When should a child first visit the dentist, and how often after that should appointments be scheduled? What can Head Start staff do to prepare children for their first dental visit? Dental Hygienists What is the role of dental hygienists in Head Start programs? Dental Insurance/Medicaid If the Head Start program cannot find a dentist who participates in Medicaid, can the program pay for treatment with Head Start program funds? What can be done to help families who lack dental insurance and cannot afford to pay for their child's oral health care? Fluoride How should Head Start programs comply with state pharmacy regulations that require an individualized prescription for each child for fluoride supplements? Should infants and children receive fluoride supplements to prevent tooth decay? Should Head Start staff use fluoridated toothpaste to brush the teeth of children ages 2 and over? Should children under age 2 have their teeth brushed with fluoridated toothpaste? What causes white spots on children's teeth? What is fluoride varnish and how is it applied? What is fluorosis? Infection Control Should staff wear gloves when they brush children’s teeth? If they wear gloves, should staff discard the gloves after assisting each child? Injury How can oral injuries be prevented? What should be included in an oral health first aid kit? What should Head Start staff do if a child experiences an oral injury? Nutrition Can foods high in sugar cause tooth decay? Oral Development What are the symptoms of teething? What can be done to ease the soreness of teething? Oral Examination How should Head Start programs document children's oral examinations and progress in completing needed follow-up care? Oral Hygiene At what age should parents begin to floss their child's teeth? How often should the teeth be flossed? Does toothbrushing in a group promote good oral hygiene practices? How can cross-contamination be prevented when dispensing toothpaste to children in a group setting? Should infants under age 1 receive regular oral hygiene? When children take medicine, can it be harmful to their teeth? Pregnancy Is it important and safe for women to receive oral health care during pregnancy? What is pregnancy gingivitis? How can it be prevented or controlled? Primary Teeth Why is it important to care for primary teeth when they will be replaced by permanent Toothbrush Storage/Toothbrushing Can young children brush their teeth effectively? How can adults encourage infants and young children to cooperate with toothbrushing? How should toothbrushes be stored? Share \|
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