From the time you were a young child you probably were told to brush your teeth after every meal. If you grew up in a family that maintained excellent dental health, you are probably wanting that for your own family. If you grew up in a family that didn't pay a lot of attention to dental health, you may be wanting to do a better job with your own family. From home dental care to visiting the dentist, here are some ideas that might help.

Have A Home Routine - When your children do things over and over again, those things may become second nature to them.

• Of course, most people already know how important it is to brush their teeth after every meal. To get your children to continue that important step, just make it a habit after meals and snacks to say something like OK, now on to brushing your teeth or Let's meet in the family room after you've brushed your teeth. 
• Flossing may be harder for little kids to remember to do. Think of handing each of your children a long piece of dental floss when they're going to take a bath and ask them to floss while they're soaking. Flossing in the shower works too.
• Consider giving a reward for consistent dental care. For example, give each child an index card with the days of the week at the top of the card. When they have brushed and flossed every single day, let them choose something special to do. Even staying up late to watch a movie or going for a treat are good rewards for a job well done.

Visit The Dentist - Obviously, brushing and flossing can be done at home. However, visiting the dentist routinely is also very important.

• Think about marking your calendar with two dental visits each year. Choosing December and June to visit the dentist means that you won't have to pull your children out of school. When you make your appointments, consider scheduling time for your entire family to see the dentist.
• Pick a dentist that is great with kids. Also, visit the dental office to check out how friendly the people at the front desk are. Your kids may not be that excited about going to the dentist in the first place, so having somebody friendly to greet them may ease their minds.
• The dental hygienist plays an important part in your children's life, too. Consider asking him or her to explain everything that will be done, and to show the tools that are used during the exam.

When it's Christmastime, think about taking little gifts to the people at your dental office. Sugar-free gum and candy will show the staff that you are practicing what they preach.