LANSING, MICHIGAN - A common misconception about caring for teeth, said Dr. Scott Dexter, D.D.S of the Michigan Dental Association, is that parents assume because they have bad teeth their children will too.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and Dexter said it's important to take care of teeth at any age, not just as an adolescent.

"Kids' teeth, baby teeth, our primary teeth, do have nerves in them," Dexter said. "They can have pain and discomfort and they can abscess just like permanent teeth can. In fact, it can happen more rapidly because the enamel is much thinner."

Dexter said it's not hereditary or genetic that if parents don't take care of their teeth their children won't do any better either. Children will repeat behaviors, such as brushing teeth, if they see their parents doing it.

National Children's Dental Health Month was originally known as National Children's Dental Health Day. The one-day event was held in Cleveland. Ohio on February 3, 1941, and eight years later was observed nationally by the American Dental Association on February 8.

After expanding in to a week-long event in 1955, it later grew even bigger in 1981 as NCDH was observed throughout the entire month of February.

Dexter echoed what the American Dental Association said is important for healthy gum care. Brush and floss teeth twice per day, visit the dentist for regular check-ups, and be aware of warning signs that may indicate a possible tooth infection.

And it's important to remember, such as the theme for this month's celebration, "A healthy smile is always in style."