Abstract
IntroductionThe overall incidence of tooth decay in children is decreasing in Germany. However, the reduction is less pronounced in primary teeth than in the adolescent permanent dentition. One reason is the increasing early childhood caries (ECC) prevalence within the age group reviewed. Early childhood caries progresses rapidly in the primary dentition and is caused by very frequent consumption of sugary beverages from baby bottles in combination with insufficient oral hygiene. Additional risk factors are insufficient oral health care and a lack of knowledge about development and avoidance of dental caries among parents. The aim of the present study is therefore to ascertain whether the current concepts for prophylaxis and early recognition of ECC are effective.Material and methodsIn a pediatric dental practice, 40 caregivers of children with ECC were asked via questionnaires about their level of understanding of caries prevention and their dental health care utilization during and following pregnancy.ResultsOver 70 % of the respondents stated that, during pregnancy, neither the gynecologist nor the midwife provided information about nurturing dental health for themselves or their child. Those who were counselled received information about the correlation of periodontitis and preterm birth (5 %), transmission of caries-producing microorganisms (7 %) and about dental prophylactic measures such as oral hygiene, nutrition and preventive examination (10 %). Half of the respondents were counselled on dental health by the pediatrician. They mainly received information about dental-awareness and nutrition as well as tablet fluoridation.ConclusionThe results of the present study show that current concepts for early dental health promotion in children are not effective enough. For prophylaxis and early recognition of ECC to be effective, interdisciplinary cooperation between gynecologists, pediatricians and dentists have to be improved. Beyond that, specific pre-ventative care must be provided by qualified personnel within high-risk groups.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
