February is Children's Dental Health Month. That means it's the perfect time to help your kids brush up on their dental hygiene habits. Sadly, many of us are too casual when it comes to brushing up on our oral hygiene. Even as adults, we've gotten in the habit, albeit a bad one, of scrubbing those chompers just once a day. And forget flossing - many kids aren't even familiar with this healthy habit. One study showed that 40 percent of children will actually have a cavity by the time they start school. That number is pretty rotten when you consider there are preventative measures that can be taken. You'll have plenty to smile about when you get your kids on the same page. There's no better time to do it than the present, especially since it's Children's Dental Health Month. Here are a few golden rules to go by. Brush two times a day - at the very least. It's important to get rid of cavity-causing plaque. Of course, it's also important to note that brushing is only half the battle.

Floss on a regular basis in order to eliminate food and build-up between teeth. Flossing also helps get those hard-to-reach places that a toothbrush might not find. Encourage your children to load up on fruits and vegetables and bypass candies, juices and other sweet treats that can cause oral issues. Children should visit the dentist on a regular basis to prevent cavities. Many experts encourage that children receive fluoride treatments twice a year to prevent tooth decay. To get your child excited about this endeavor, take him shopping for a new toothbrush, floss and toothpaste. While you're shopping for the oral hygiene products, engage your child in a dialogue about the importance of taking care of his teeth. Let him pick out the brush and toothpaste of his choice. It's an activity that's sure to put a smile on his face.