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August 2024 | Issue No. 42 Promoting Oral Health in Head Start Programs and at Home Welcome to Resources to Make You Smile! This monthly newsletter features information and tools Head Start staff can use to help families promote good oral health. These tips help Head Start staff support families, expectant parents, and children. The newsletter also includes a recipe for a healthy snack that children can make in a Head Start classroom or at home with their families. Oral Health Promotion |
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Teaching families about oral health throughout the program year is a valuable service provided by Head Start staff. Repeating oral health messages reminds families about the importance of keeping their mouth healthy and how to do it. |
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Head Start staff can promote good oral health habits among families in many ways. They can engage children and parents in discussions about oral health and encourage parents to promote and model good oral health habits at home. Staff also play an important role in helping children understand that good oral health helps them stay healthy and learn. During the program day, staff can incorporate oral health messages and activities into learning activities. Brushing teeth together at the table allows staff to model correct toothbrushing techniques. It also helps children establish good oral health habits to last a lifetime. Resources for Staff Review these Brush Up on Oral Health tip sheets for messages and approaches that staff can share with parents to encourage them to value and practice good oral health habits. The tip sheets describe the key role parents play in their child's oral health and include resources that staff can use to motivate parents:
Check out the seven lesson plans and enrichment activities in Oral Health for Maryland’s Kids: A Head Start Teachers Guide for Creating Healthy Smiles. Use the curriculum to teach children and their families about oral health, instill positive attitudes about oral health, and encourage good oral health habits. Each lesson plan features learning objectives, background information for teachers, and Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework domains and elements. Show the Steps for Toothbrushing at the Table: Growing Healthy Smiles in Early Care and Education Programs video to train staff on how to begin a daily toothbrushing program. This video provides instructions for how to prepare the area, lead the toothbrushing process, clean up after brushing, and safely store toothbrushes. Resources for Parents Share these Healthy Habits for Happy Smiles handouts to reinforce conversations with parents about what they can do to promote good oral health habits at home:
Show these Sesame Street videos to teach children and parents how to take care of their teeth:
Cook’s Corner Recipe: Cucumber Salad |
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Ingredients Directions
Makes 12 servings |
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