Early preventive oral health care for babies can help to prevent future cavities.

The University of Illinois study confirms the presence of bacteria associated with early childhood caries in infant saliva. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay/cavities) is the most prevalent infectious disease in U.S. children. 40 percent of US children will have cavities by the time a child reaches kindergarten.

New parents should try to minimize snacks and drinks with fermentable sugars. As well as wipe the gums new born babies who do not yet have teeth. A baby should also have their first dental appointment at the time they cut their first tooth