Early childhood caries
[6] Deciduous teeth begin to erupt at 6 months of age, once visible in the oral cavity they are susceptible to tooth decay or dental caries.
[1] These consumables have the potential to increase the risk of dental caries due to prolonged contact between sugars in the liquid and cariogenic bacteria on the tooth surface.
A parent's education and health awareness has a major influence on the caries experience of their child's feeding practices, dietary habits and food choices.
There are several studies by Locker and Mota-Veloso reporting that there is a two-way relationship that exists between dental caries and levels of education, household income that affect quality of life and social positioning.
[4] Locker suggested that the relationship between oral disease and health-related quality of life outcomes can be mediated by personal and environmental variables.
[3] While the primary etiology is due to microbial factors, it is also largely influenced by the social, behavioral and economic determinants in which children are surrounded, including living in a low income earning family.
[6][1] Efforts should be made to reach rural and remote communities to implement health promotion strategies to increase awareness about diet and oral hygiene.
[7] Studies have shown that families of lower socioeconomic status (SES) are less likely to regularly attend the dentist and access preventive dental resources.
[8] Early childhood caries can be prevented through the combination of the following: adhering to a healthy nutritional diet, optimal plaque removal, use of fluoride on the tooth surface once erupted, care taken by the mother during the prenatal and perinatal period and regular dental visits.
[7] This is highly encouraged as it prevents continuous exposure to non-milk extrinsic sugars and therefore the potential progression of caries – this means the oral cavity can return to a neutral pH and therefore decreased acidity.
[9] A 2019 Cochrane review (updated in 2024) concluded that there is a 15% drop in risk of developing ECC when mothers with infants or pregnant women are given advice on a healthy child diet and feeding practices.
It is recommended to brush children's teeth twice daily using a soft bristled, age and size appropriate toothbrush and if indicated age-appropriate amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
[1] Prevention of early childhood caries begins before the baby is born; women are advised to maintain a well-balanced diet of high nutritional value during pregnancy.
[9] This is important since teeth start developing before birth if the diet is not sufficient, a condition called developmental dental defect may occur including enamel hypoplasia.
Dentists also focus heavily on early intervention strategies, which include the application of protective fluoride treatments directly to the teeth, guiding families through proper dental care routines, and offering nutritional advice to prevent further decay.
During the initial dental visit, which plays a pivotal role, the dentist evaluates the child's dietary and oral hygiene habits.
Early stages of decay (white spot lesions) and initial enamel damage are managed with non-invasive preventive methods and are closely monitored over time.
[14] However, there's a notable concern with this method: despite the initial success of the treatment, decay can recur, with some cases reported as early as 6 months post-treatment.
The quick application process of SDF makes it particularly beneficial for young children and patients who find it difficult to remain still during dental procedures, potentially reducing the need for sedation or general anesthesia.
[19] When it comes to repairing teeth affected by Early Childhood Caries, the extent of tooth decay will guide the choice of treatment.
