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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has recently produced guidelines for infant oral health. The guidelines recommend parents take their newly born babies, 6-12 months, to the dentist for an examination.

Statistics say that 40% of children by the age of kindergarten suffer from tooth decay. Dental care professionals at Nationwide Children's Hospital say that parents should remember to arrange dental visits for their infants even if they still have few teeth.

Studies suggest that children with tooth decay in their primary teeth are usually at more risk of developing decay in their permanent ones as they grow up. Earlier dental visits can help parents in taking preventive measures to protect the teeth of their infants.

Paul Casamassimo, DDS, MS, chief of Dentistry at Nationwide Children's Hospital, said "Infant oral health is the foundation for preventing future tooth decay," adding "If a child experiences tooth decay at an early age, it is a very difficult process to stop. The purpose of this initial visit is not only to introduce these toddlers to visiting the dentist, but also to provide preventative information to prevent tooth decay."

The guidelines produced by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggest the following:

1. That the baby bottle with milk be quickly removed after the child is through feeding. And at the age of one year, babies should drink fluids from a cup instead of a feeding bottle.

2. When the primary teeth start to erupt, they should be brushed, so babies get used to the idea of tooth brushing at their earlier life stages.

3. That sugary substances given to babies should be provided only at meal time. Dental care professionals say that such substances should not be consumed throughout the day; and definitely not delivered via a baby bottle.