Head Start

Should children under age 2 have their teeth brushed with fluoridated toothpaste?

Children under age 2 enrolled in Head Start should have their teeth brushed with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day. This removes plaque, strengthens the teeth, and encourages good oral hygiene practices. The benefits of using fluoridated toothpaste to prevent tooth decay outweigh the potential risk for fluorosis for children at high risk for tooth decay. Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition of the primary and permanent teeth that may occur when children ages 8 and under swallow too much fluoride.

Head Start staff (or volunteers, if available) should brush children's teeth once a day, after a meal, with a smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Children under age 2 usually can't spit, but they can drool the toothpaste into a cup after brushing. Children should not rinse with water because the fluoridated toothpaste that remains in the mouth helps prevent tooth decay.

Staff should also advise parents that it is especially important to brush their child's teeth once using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste before bed to prevent food debris from remaining in contact with the teeth throughout the night.

Performance Standards

1304.23(b)(3)

References

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Liaison with Other Groups Committee. 2009. Clinical guideline on fluoride therapy. Pediatric Dentistry.

American Dental Association. 2006. Interim Guidance on Fluoride Intake for Infants and Young Children. Chicago, IL: American Dental Association.

American Dental Association, Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. 1995. Caries diagnosis and risk assessment: A review of preventive strategies and management. Journal of the American Dental Association 126(Special supplement):1S-24S.

Bickel HW Jr. 2001. Toothbrushing and Head Start: What's it all about? Head Start Bulletin 71, p. 27-28.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2001. Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports 50(RR-14):1-42. .

Clarkson JE, Ellwood RP, Chandler RE. 1993. A comprehensive summary of fluoride dentifrice caries clinical trials. American Journal of Dentistry 6:S59-106.

Hausen H. 2004. Benefits of topical fluorides firmly established. Evidence Based Dentistry 5(2):36-37.

Kanellis MJ. 2000. Caries risk assessment and prevention: Strategies for Head Start, Early Head Start, and WIC. Journal of Dental Public Health Dentistry 60(3):210-217; discussion 218-220.

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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 Should children under age 2 have their teeth brushed with fluoridated toothpaste? Children under age 2 enrolled in Head Start should have their teeth brushed with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day. This removes plaque, strengthens the teeth, and encourages good oral hygiene practices. The benefits of using fluoridated toothpaste to prevent tooth decay outweigh the potential risk for fluorosis for children at high risk for tooth decay. Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition of the primary and permanent teeth that may occur when children ages 8 and under swallow too much fluoride. Head Start staff (or volunteers, if available) should brush children's teeth once a day, after a meal, with a smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Children under age 2 usually can't spit, but they can drool the toothpaste into a cup after brushing. Children should not rinse with water because the fluoridated toothpaste that remains in the mouth helps prevent tooth decay. Staff should also advise parents that it is especially important to brush their child's teeth once using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste before bed to prevent food debris from remaining in contact with the teeth throughout the night. Performance Standards 1304.23(b)(3) References American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Liaison with Other Groups Committee. 2009. Clinical guideline on fluoride therapy. Pediatric Dentistry. American Dental Association. 2006. Interim Guidance on Fluoride Intake for Infants and Young Children. Chicago, IL: American Dental Association. American Dental Association, Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. 1995. Caries diagnosis and risk assessment: A review of preventive strategies and management. Journal of the American Dental Association 126(Special supplement):1S-24S. Bickel HW Jr. 2001. Toothbrushing and Head Start: What's it all about? Head Start Bulletin 71, p. 27-28. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2001. Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports 50(RR-14):1-42. . Clarkson JE, Ellwood RP, Chandler RE. 1993. A comprehensive summary of fluoride dentifrice caries clinical trials. American Journal of Dentistry 6:S59-106. Hausen H. 2004. Benefits of topical fluorides firmly established. Evidence Based Dentistry 5(2):36-37. Kanellis MJ. 2000. Caries risk assessment and prevention: Strategies for Head Start, Early Head Start, and WIC. Journal of Dental Public Health Dentistry 60(3):210-217; discussion 218-220. Share \|
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