Abstract
Early childhood caries (ECC) is major oral health problem, mainly in socially disadvantaged populations. ECC affects infants and preschool children worldwide. The prevalence of ECC differs according to the group examined, and a prevalence of up to 85% has been reported for disadvantaged groups. ECC is the presence of one or more decayed, missing, or filled primary teeth in children aged 71 months (5 years) or younger. It begins with white-spot lesions in the upper primary incisors along the margin of the gingiva. If the disease continues, caries can progress, leading to complete destruction of the crown. The main risk factors in the development of ECC can be categorized as microbiological, dietary, and environmental risk factors. Even though it is largely a preventable condition, ECC remains one of the most common childhood diseases. The major contributing factors for the for the high prevalence of ECC are improper feeding practices, familial socioeconomic background, lack of parental education, and lack of access to dental care. Oral health plays an important role in children to maintain the oral functions and is required for eating, speech development, and a positive self-image. The review will focus on the prevalence, risk factors, and preventive strategies and the management of ECC.
Highlights
Childhood caries (ECC) has been on the increase in many countries and has become a significant health problem especially in socially disadvantaged populations
A systematic review revealed that breast feeding for more than a year and at night might be associated with an increased prevalence of dental caries [58]
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial disease consequent to the interaction of cariogenic microorganisms, exposure to carbohydrates, inappropriate feeding practices, and a range of social variables. It can affect a child’s well-being, learning ability, and quality of life. This virulent form of dental caries begins soon after dental eruption mainly on the smooth surfaces of the teeth, which progress at a rapid state
Summary
Childhood caries (ECC) has been on the increase in many countries and has become a significant health problem especially in socially disadvantaged populations. ECC is defined as the presence of one or more decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child at 71 months of age or younger. It has several unique characteristics in clinical appearance such as rapid development of caries, which affects a number of teeth soon after they emerge in oral cavity. These lesions involve tooth surfaces that are less prone to caries development. ECC is associated with other health problems, ranging from local pain, infections, abscesses, leading to difficulty in chewing, malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders, and difficulty in sleeping [3]
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