Early Childhood Caries: A Review

Abstract

Aim: To review and update the current knowledge about early childhood caries (ECC) and its etiology, prevalence, risk factors, management, and preventive strategies. Background:Early childhood caries is a disease affecting significantly both well-developed and industrial nations. The ECC can significantly affect the child's quality of life, as it may lead to infection, swelling, pain, and other symptoms. The ECC affects children after eruption of primary teeth until age of around 5 years. Review results:The ECC affects all parts of the tooth including the smooth surface. Upper anterior teeth and primary molars are usually affected. The lower anterior teeth are less likely affected. The risk factors for ECC are diet, bacteria, and host susceptibility. The additional factors, such as presence of enamel defect and the feeding practices also contribute to the initiation and progress of ECC. Conclusion:Dentists must focus on utilizing existing techniques to distinguish indications of right on time and propelled caries and give guidance on the best way to counteract and control caries in children. Approaches should be directed to preventive caries control strategies among children.Clinical significance: Preventing and controlling the development of ECC among children is important to maintain effective eating, speech development, and formation of a positive self-image.

Prevalence of early childhood caries among 5‐year‐old children: A systematic review

“…National and international oral health policy should emphasize oral health promotion and prevention for children. It is important to prevent and control ECC, as the consequence of untreated ECC negatively affects chewing ability, speech development, and the formation of a positive self‐image . ECC is a preventable disease, and plenty of preventive methods exist.…”

“…Studies that adopted random sampling method, had a favorable sample size (N > 100), established comparability between respondents and non-respondents and good response rate (>80%), used wellestablished diagnosis criteria, had good reliability between examiners (kappa value >0.6), and adopted appropriate statistic methods were rated as a full score or 8 (Appendix S1). The methodological quality of the studies was categorized as poor (0-2), moderate (3)(4)(5), and good (6)(7)(8), according to the modified NOS for descriptive purposes. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used as a basis for reporting in this systematic review.…”

“…Four main etiological factors are well documented: susceptible host, cariogenic bacteria, fermentable carbohydrate substrate, and time for interaction of these factors . The characteristics of primary teeth, dietary habits, and the efficiency of plaque removal make young children one a susceptible group . Other environmental risk factors, such as the use of fluoride, access to dental care service, demographic background, and socioeconomic status, are also found to be related to ECC.…”

“…4 The characteristics of primary teeth, dietary habits, and the efficiency of plaque removal make young children one a susceptible group. 5 Other environmental risk factors, such as the use of fluoride, access to dental care service, demographic background, and socioeconomic status, are also found to be related to ECC. In this context, underprivileged children have a higher prevalence and greater severity of ECC.…”

School-based Oral Health Promotion and Intervention in AMIGA (Alfonso, Mendez, Indang, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Amadeo) Cavite, Philippines

“…Children who grew up plagued with dental caries and who have family members with serious dental caries are more likely to be at risk of having dental caries in the future. Some of the reasons identified that have led to this state are: limited to no access to dental care, lack of accessible preventive measures such as water fluoridation, supplementation of fluoride, and pit and fissure sealants, and the lack of information on the importance of oral well-being (Alazmah, 2017). Patterns of dental disease reflect distinct risk profiles across countries that are related to living conditions, lifestyles and environmental factors, and the implementation of preventive oral health schemes is needed (Petersen et al, 2005).…”