Understanding How Sugar Contributes to Tooth Decay
Find out how to read food labels to identify hidden sugars in products and tips for Head Start staff to share with parents about limiting their child’s sugar intake.
Healthy Drinks
Resources here focus on healthy beverages — such as water, milk, and fruit or vegetable juice — and their importance in maintaining good oral health, nutrition, and overall health. These resources call attention to the risks associated with beverages containing added sugar such as soda/pop, fruit drinks, and energy drinks. They also highlight how unhealthy beverages can contribute to tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity in young children. Also see resources on healthy eating.
Encouraging Children to Drink Water
Learn why drinking water is important for good oral health and find resources Head Start staff can use to promote drinking water.
Understanding Why Community Water Fluoridation Is Important
Fluoride is an element found in nature, including soil, rocks, and plants, and it prevents tooth decay. All water naturally has fluoride, but amounts vary. Learn more about the importance of fluoride and community water fluoridation.
Choosing Healthy Drinks
Learn how to choose healthy drinks. Head Start staff can help parents prevent tooth decay by promoting healthy drink choices, such as milk and fluoridated water, and limiting drinks with added sugar.
Fruit Recipes
This section contains fruit recipes. None of the recipes include added sugar. Each recipe includes a list of ingredients, directions, a picture of the prepared recipe, and, where needed, safety tips. Enjoy!
Cook’s Corner: Recipes for Healthy Snacks
Find simple recipes for healthy snacks that young children can make in Head Start programs or at home with their families.
Encouraging Your Child to Drink Water
Giving children water with fluoride helps keep their teeth healthy. Learn about fun and easy ways to encourage children to drink water with fluoride.
Choosing Healthy Drinks for Your Young Child
Children who are often given sugary drinks are more likely to have tooth decay (cavities). Learn about which drinks have added sugar and which drinks (water and milk) are best for children.
Giving Your Child Healthy Snacks
Giving children healthy meals and a variety of healthy snacks at scheduled times during the day is important to keep children healthy. Get tips for healthy snacks to give children.