Early Childhood Caries

Early Childhood Caries(ECC)

  • A condition affecting children (generally up to the age of 6 years)
  • Identified by the presence of one or more decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth

Causes

  • Cariogenic Bacteria
    • Streptococcus mutans
    • Lactobacillus
    • Bacteria can be transmitted from parent to child
  • Diet
    • Prolonged Bottle Feeding (especially sugary liquids as child falls asleep)
    • High sugar diet
  • Poor OH
  • Lack of Fluoride Exposure
  • Lack of dental care/access
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Prevention

  • Healthy low/zero cario diet
    • Timed meals, health snacks
  • Optimal Plaque removal
    • Adult brushing/supervised brushing
  • Fluoride therapy
    • Toothpastes/Water
  • Regular dental visits

Treatment
Fluoride Varnishes
Diet Counselling – education, diet regimens
Restoration: Composite/Amalgam Fillings, Stainless Steel Crowns/Hall Technique, Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy
Extraction
Gap Management
Behaviour Management


Prognosis
Complications can arise if left untreated: pain/infection/problems with eating and/or speaking/loss of teeth
Poor health/early loss of primary teeth can affect development/eruption or permanent teeth leading to long term complications
Quality of life can be affected, leading to behavioural issues