Good oral habits should start early

For kids today, tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. In fact, health problems related to tooth decay at an early age, combined with other children's dental issues, can affect the development of permanent teeth. Children require healthy and strong teeth for everyday activities like chewing food, speaking and having a good smile.

There are many myths floating around about kids' oral health. It's important that parents understand the facts about children's oral health so they can help to protect their child's smile and instill good lifelong oral care habits.

Dr. Maryam Adibfar is a family dentist and consulting dentist to Crest and Oral-B. She dispels some of the common myths she hears from parents every day in her practice:

Myth: You should wait until your child is at least three years old before you take them to the dentist.

Fact: Parents should take their kids to see the dentist right from birth for a risk assessment and for professional oral care advice for their child.

Myth: Kids don't need to floss.

Fact: Flossing is the best way to help remove plaque from in between teeth. Encouraging children to floss from a young age will help them develop healthy flossing habits as part of their regular at-home oral care routine as they get older.

Myth: A child won't benefit from a “child toothbrush,” it's just a marketing scheme.

Fact: A proper child's toothbrush, like those in the Oral-B Stages line-up, is actually designed specifically to the placement and stage of children's teeth as well as their development and dexterity.

Tooth decay is a completely preventable disease. By reinforcing the importance of a good oral care routine with their kids, parents can help their children achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for life.

Parents can also visit www.oralbkids.ca to download free posters with helpful tips and myth busters to hang up in the bathroom.