National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, Georgetown University

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Head Start

Can young children brush their teeth effectively?

Young children do not have the hand coordination to brush their teeth effectively. But having them brush their teeth can help them develop good oral hygiene practices. Learning how to take care of their teeth is one of the most important health care skills a child can develop. Brushing every day is a vital part of this. After the child finishes brushing, the adult should brush the child's teeth again to make sure the teeth are brushed thoroughly.

After children develop fine motor skills (for example, the ability to tie their shoelaces, typically by age 7 or 8), they can brush their teeth effectively. But they should be supervised by an adult.

Performance Standards

1304.23(b)(3)

References

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

Milgrom P, Weinstein P. 1999. Early Childhood Caries: A Team Approach to Prevention and Treatment. pp. 37-39. Seattle, WA: University of Washington, Office of Continuing Dental Education.


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