It is important to begin practicing good oral hygiene as early as possible. Cleaning an infant's gums and tongue removes food debris, decreases the bacteria or germs that contribute to oral disease, and helps the infant become comfortable with having the mouth cleaned.

At least once during the day, Head Start staff or volunteers must wash their hands and then cover a finger with a clean gauze pad or soft damp cloth and gently wipe the infant's gums and tongue.

Once an infant's first tooth erupts (between the ages of around 6 to 10 months), a toothbrush can be used to brush the infant's teeth and gums. Make sure the toothbrush is designed for infants, with soft bristles and a small head.

Performance Standards

1304.23(b)(3)

References

Administration for Children and Families. 2006. Program Instruction: Oral Health. Washington, DC: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start. http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00109_122006.html.

American Dental Association. Life stages: Parents, care for your infant. http://www.ada.org/public/manage/stages/parents.asp.

Casamassimo P, Holt K, eds. 2004. Bright Futures in Practice: Oral Health—Pocket Guide. Washington, DC: National Maternal and Child Health Oral Health Resource Center. http://www.mchoralhealth.org/PDFs/BFOHPocketGuide.pdf.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dental care for your baby. http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/babycare.asp.