Kids are notoriously good whiners who will wriggle their way out of anything that seems remotely like a chore, given just half a chance. As parents, it's our job to set them up for good habits all their life, but when those habits make them roll their eyes and try to find new and clever ways to avoid the effort, it's clear we have our work cut out for us. Oral health is one of the most significant and important examples of a mundane, every day chore that can get overlooked by kids (who would, bless them, rather be outside running around or playing catch). Yet the care of their teeth and gums in childhood is what will set the stage for their habits as adults, so it is important that they learn their lessons well - because someday, as all parents know, we won't be there to hover over their shoulder in the dorm bathroom and remind them to floss. When creating a habit, some parental ninja skills may be necessary. This means making the responsible-sounding €oral health€ a fun activity that they know is helping them to grow up big and strong. Here are some tips for fostering a pro-dental health atmosphere in your own household.

Start Them Young

The younger your children are when they begin to learn about brushing their teeth and flossing, the better and easier it will be for them to be habitual brushers/flossers as teens and adults. Toddlers start to watch Mommy and Daddy like a hawk, asking questions about everything they do. This is the perfect time to start explaining, in terms that they can understand, why you yourself brush your teeth and floss every morning and every night. It can be as simple as, €I am brushing my teeth. Brushing my teeth is good for me and makes me happy!€

Make a Big Deal Out of Their First Toothbrush

At about the age of two or three most toddlers are ready to start brushing with their very own toothbrush and toothpaste. To set the stage for this important new part of their lives, it can be very positive to make a big deal out of their first foray into the world of oral health. Bring them to the store to pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste and then put their new things in a place of honor on the kitchen counter.

Make it a Game

Kids love to mimic their parents (in fact, it's an essential part of early learning), so you can make a €do what Daddy does€ game out of brushing your teeth. Maybe your twist on it will include making funny faces or patting your head and stomach (back and forth) while brushing.

If your child doesn't seem interested in mimic games, you could create a weekly chart where you award stickers for brushing and flossing twice a day. If your child fills up every day by the end of the week, they get some of reward - their pick for family movie night or a sleepover.

Choose a Good Pediatric Dentist

You might want to ask friends or family or make inquiries yourself at the local dentist's offices, but be sure to find a doctor who specializes in pediatric care. They will have experience welcoming new - and potentially frightened - patients and making them comfortable, explaining what all the tools and sounds are for. Do you remember your first dentist visit or any of the appointments from when you were a young child? It could be very overwhelming, so do yourself and your kids a favor by mitigating the potential for €scary€ and maximizing their confidence. They might not love going to the dentist, but your job is considerably easier if they do not fear it or hate it.

A Word about Baby Teeth

Some parents are lax about oral health while their kids are very young, because they know the baby teeth are going to fall out anyway. Long before your children start getting their adult teeth it is important that they have been brushing and flossing on a regular basis. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to start them as early as possible on a path that will lead to a beautiful, pearly white adult smile.