Your oral health depends on you developing a thorough and detailed teeth brushing routine and it is best when this starts at an early age.  One of the greatest things you can do for your children is to teach them how to take care of their teeth at a young age.  The habits they develop when they are little will carry through their entire life.  It is essential to teach your children the correct way to brush and keep their teeth clean and healthy.  Here are some ways you can teach them and help them develop healthy habits.

    Begin cleaning their mouths when they are just babies.  Don't use a toothbrush before their teeth come in, or even in the early stages of the teeth coming in.  Take a soft, wet washcloth and gently clean their gums and tongue.  This will help keep their mouths clean from the beginning as well as getting the child use to having things in their mouth.
    Make the whole teeth cleaning and brushing process fun!  Children respond best to having fun while learning.  They will be more likely to obey and want to brush if they associate it with being something fun.  If they feel that brushing is a chore, they will avoid doing it.  There are several ways you can make it fun for them.  Start by brushing each other's teeth, your child will think it is funny to brush their parent's teeth.  You can also start by letting them brush the teeth of a favorite doll or toy before brushing their own teeth.  Just make sure you brush their teeth after so that they are thoroughly cleaned. 
    Make sure you are using no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for your child.  If there is more toothpaste it will create excessive foam that will make it harder for your child to brush.
    Be sure to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for you child's needs.  Choose a child size toothbrush that will be easy for your child to use.  Again, make this fun for them by choosing a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or color!  Avoid toothpastes with harsh or strong flavors.  While you may think your own toothpaste has a subtle flavor, it may be too strong for your child.  They are more sensitive to flavors that adults are. 
    Make sure you are teaching them a routine.  Be sure to make brushing a regular part of the day.  Get them in the habit of brushing after every meal and every night at bedtime. 
    Be sure to teach them to brush the correct amount of time.  You need to be brushing for at least 2 minutes each time for it to be completely effective.  It may be fun for you and your child to make up a song that you can sing so they know how long to brush for!
    Have good oral health habits yourself.  Your children will be more likely to stick to having a good routine if they see that you stick to a routine yourself.  You can brush your teeth with your child and make it a fun family activity.
    If your child is resistant to brush their teeth, it will be effective to take your spouse or older children and brush your teeth while having a lot of fun.  Laugh really loud or put on music and dance.  Your child will see that they are missing out on having fun and will want to participate!

It is crucial to develop healthy oral habits at a young age.  Teach your children early on to follow a strict, but fun, brushing routine and it will continue to benefit them throughout their entire life.