First we start off trying to figure out how we get our infants to let us brush those tiny little baby teeth and then, as they become older, we have the added challenge of teaching them to brush their own teeth. Some kids think this means simply putting the toothpaste on the brush and sticking it in their mouths.

My daughters overall have been pretty good about brushing; however we do have to remind them every morning and again every night. And when they were younger, I often I had to send them back in when they come out after 30 seconds saying, "I brushed my teeth".

I asked our dentist how long they should be brushing and they gave me a 2 minute egg timer so that our kids would know when to stop. This is a great help and keeps me from nagging. There are also toothbrushes with built-in music and when the music stops, the kids know they are done. 

We have been fortunate because our kids like going to the dentist and I think that is because pediatric dentists really work to make it a positive experience by creating incentives for kids. Our dentist even rewards our kids with gift cards after a certain amount of cleanings without cavities.

We are one of those families where all three of our girls need orthodontic care and it started in first grade with a palate expander, then neck gear, retainer and now we are doing braces.