Early childhood caries epidemiology, aetiology, risk assessment, societal burden, management, education, and policy: Global perspective

Abstract

Background This paper is a summary of the proceedings of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry Bangkok Conference on early childhood caries (ECC) held in 3‐4 November 2018. Aim The paper aims to convey a global perspective of ECC definitions, aetiology, risk factors, societal costs, management, educational curriculum, and policy. Design This global perspective on ECC is the compilation of the state of science, current concepts, and literature regarding ECC from worldwide experts on ECC. Results Early childhood caries is related to frequent sugar consumption in an environment of enamel adherent, acid‐producing bacteria in a complex biofilm, as well as developmental defects of enamel. The seriousness, societal costs, and impact on quality of life of dental caries in pre‐school children are enormous. Worldwide data show that ECC continues to be highly prevalent, yet infrequently treated. Approaches to reduce the prevalence include interventions that start in the first year of a child's life, evidence‐based and risk‐based management, and reimbursement systems that foster preventive care. Conclusions This global perspective on ECC epidemiology, aetiology, risk assessment, global impact, and management is aimed to foster improved worldwide understanding and management of ECC.

Early Childhood Caries: IAPD Bangkok Declaration

“…The below, prepared by the Expert Panel, provides a Communication Statement on Early Childhood Caries designed for a wide range of professional and lay stakeholders. A detailed paper, entitled ‘Global Perspective of Early Childhood Caries Epidemiology, Aetiology, Risk Assessment, Societal Burden, Management, Education and Policy’ (reference), provides the updated evidence and references that informed this declaration …”

History of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry: A 50‐year perspective

“…Its purpose is to gain worldwide support for evidence‐based definitions, aetiology, risk factors, and interventions to reduce ECC and to mobilize worldwide collaborative approaches and policies to diminish this chronic disease. The Declaration is supported by a detailed paper composed by the same group of experts . To further this endeavour, IAPD appealed to the major dental associations and paediatric dental academies to join forces and simultaneously publish the Declaration and the manuscript of supporting science in their respective journals.…”

“…The Declaration is supported by a detailed paper composed by the same group of experts. 12 To further this endeavour, IAPD appealed to the major dental associations and paediatric dental academies to join forces and simultaneously publish the Declaration and the manuscript of supporting science in their respective journals.…”

Breastfeeding: The perspective of paediatric dentist

“…Breastfeeding beyond 12 months of age and bottle feedings on demand with any carbohydrate beverages including human milk are considered ECC risk factors because frequent or prolonged contact with dental surfaces may contribute to evolution of lesions (12,(38)(39)(40). In Lancet series on breastfeeding, caries was described as the only poor health outcome in prolonged breastfeeding after first birthday (41).…”

“…However, paediatric dental recommendations suggest that prolonged, unrestricted, and frequent breastfeeding (more than 7 times a day) after the first birthday, especially night feedings, affect oral health and favour the development of early childhood caries (ECC) (8)(9)(10)(11)(12). Some studies also identified sleeping with the nipple in the mouth as a risk factor for ECC (13).…”