Good oral health is more than just a pretty smile. The health of a child’s mouth affects their growth and development, ability to learn, behavior, and social interactions. To promote optimal oral health, this presentation offers five simple oral health messages Head Start staff can share with pregnant women and parents of children enrolled in their programs. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in and receive instructions for hands-on activities designed to accompany each oral health message.
Objectives: 1. Explain why good oral health is important to overall health and to a healthy pregnancy. 2. Practice five hands-on activities that can be used with families to reinforce oral health messages that significantly impact oral health and overall health and wellbeing.
