As a parent, it's up to you to keep your child's teeth healthy and happy. As they get older, kids have to learn to take charge of their own home dental care. By the time they start walking, they can start learning the ABCs of brushing. If they learn while they are still impressionable, that brushing and flossing are fun, they'll develop good dental habits for a lifetime.

Choosing the right toothpaste is a good place to start. Children can be very sensitive to strong flavors, so it's a good idea to use mild-tasting toothpaste. Try some of that kid-friendly, kaleidoscope-coloured pastes - some are even flecked with sparkles! Use only a pea-sized amount, and make sure your little ones don't eat any. Remember that fluoridated pastes should be kept where kids can't get at them without your help.

Take your shild shopping fo a fancy kid-sized brush, and let them pick one out. At home, set up a little stool so your child can look in the miror "eye to eye" and reach the faucet without stretching.

Brushing takes time to learn so go easy! Good brushing takes a least three minutes, which may test a child's fickle attention, so work up grdually. Brush with your kids, and try to make a brushing game. Using a rhyme can help. Here's one to try out:

Up like a rocket
Down like rain
Back and forth like
A choo choo train

By the time they're six or seven, children are old enough to brush twice a day on their own. If you've make it a high point in the day, they'll do it with pleasure!