Head Start

How can cross-contamination be prevented when dispensing toothpaste to children in a group setting?

All Head Start staff and volunteers involved in toothbrushing should wash their hands before and after helping children brush their teeth. The children should also wash their hands after brushing. To avoid cross-contamination of toothpaste, it should not be applied directly to toothbrushes.

Following are two options for dispensing toothpaste:

• Cut a sheet of waxed paper into small squares, and squeeze a pea-sized amount (small smear) of toothpaste onto each square. Have each child “scoop” the toothpaste from the waxed paper using his or her toothbrush.

• Squeeze a pea-sized amount (small smear) of toothpaste inside the lip of a paper cup. Have each child “scoop” the toothpaste from inside the paper cup using his or her toothbrush.

After brushing, instruct children to spit any toothpaste remaining in their mouth into a paper cup. Then, wipe their faces with paper towels, and place the paper towels in the cups to absorb the liquid before disposing of the paper cups.

Teach children that toothbrushes are only for brushing teeth and are not toys.

Performance Standards

1304.23(b)(3)

References

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Oral Health. 2002. The Use and Handling of Toothbrushes. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Oral Health.

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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 How can cross-contamination be prevented when dispensing toothpaste to children in a group setting? All Head Start staff and volunteers involved in toothbrushing should wash their hands before and after helping children brush their teeth. The children should also wash their hands after brushing. To avoid cross-contamination of toothpaste, it should not be applied directly to toothbrushes. Following are two options for dispensing toothpaste: • Cut a sheet of waxed paper into small squares, and squeeze a pea-sized amount (small smear) of toothpaste onto each square. Have each child “scoop” the toothpaste from the waxed paper using his or her toothbrush. • Squeeze a pea-sized amount (small smear) of toothpaste inside the lip of a paper cup. Have each child “scoop” the toothpaste from inside the paper cup using his or her toothbrush. After brushing, instruct children to spit any toothpaste remaining in their mouth into a paper cup. Then, wipe their faces with paper towels, and place the paper towels in the cups to absorb the liquid before disposing of the paper cups. Teach children that toothbrushes are only for brushing teeth and are not toys. Performance Standards 1304.23(b)(3) References National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Oral Health. 2002. The Use and Handling of Toothbrushes. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Oral Health. Share \|
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