Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of the current study is to present a treatment approach in a case of severe early childhood caries (ECC). A 5-year-old girl was referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Division with multiple premature tooth loss, masticatory difficulties, prolonged breast-feeding, and low quality of life, who was diagnosed with severe ECC. A three-phased treatment plan was implemented: 1. Disease control – consisting of behavioral changes in oral hygiene habits, diet guidance, professional biofilm removal followed by fluoride application and temporary restorations; 2. Infection control – teeth extractions and pulpotomy; and 3. Functional rehabilitation – direct and semi-indirect resin restorations, a removable partial and total prostheses in the lower and upper jaws, respectively. In conclusion, the proposed multidisciplinary approach resulted in a positive impact on the patient’s nutrition and growth, speech production, communication, self-image, and social functioning leading to an improved quality of life.
Highlights
Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in childhood, consisting of a major public health problem [1] affecting 60 to 90% of the school-age children [2]
In Brazil, a 3-year old child already has an average of least one tooth with caries (DMFT = 1.1, 95% CI 1.2-1.4), increasing to almost 3 teeth affected teeth (DMFT = 2.8, 95% CI 2.76-2.84) at older ages [3]. When this disease achieves atypical, progressive, acute, or rampant patterns at early ages, it is defined as severe Early Childhood Caries (ECC) [1,4]
The present case report, with a 12-month follow-up period, presents a multidisciplinary approach in a child with severe ECC associated with dental trauma
Summary
Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in childhood, consisting of a major public health problem [1] affecting 60 to 90% of the school-age children [2]. In Brazil, a 3-year old child already has an average of least one tooth with caries (DMFT = 1.1, 95% CI 1.2-1.4), increasing to almost 3 teeth affected teeth (DMFT = 2.8, 95% CI 2.76-2.84) at older ages [3]. When this disease achieves atypical, progressive, acute, or rampant patterns at early ages, it is defined as severe Early Childhood Caries (ECC) [1,4]. It should be considered that the consequences of this disease might include higher risk for the development of new carious lesions [8], increased treatment cost and time [9], and loss of school days [10]
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