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Applied Clinical Research, Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 2213-476X
ISSN (Online): 2213-4778

Early Childhood Caries - A Continuing Oral Health Problem: A Review

Author(s): Mawlood B. Kowash

Volume 1, Issue 2, 2014

Page: [111 - 117] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/2213476X01666141107191923

Price: $65

Abstract

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a chronic, transmissible infectious disease affecting the primary teeth. The etiology of the condition is a combination of factors including frequent consumption of fermentable carbohydrates as liquids, especially when the baby is sleeping, with on-demand breast- or bottle-feeding. Other factors include oral colonization by cariogenic bacteria (especially mutans streptococci), poor oral hygiene and poor parenting. It is the most common chronic disease among children. The prevalence of ECC in infants and preschool children has been reported to vary between 3% and 94% world-wide. ECC can result in considerable suffering, pain, disfigurement and frequently compromises future dentition. This ultimately leads to a reduction in the quality of life of affected children. This paper provides an updated review of ECC. Its terminology, etiology, prevalence, clinical picture, complications and management are critically discussed and a solution to the continuing problem of ECC is suggested.

Keywords: Cellulitis, diet, Early Childhood Caries (ECC), lactobacilli (LB), mutans streptococci (MS), prevalence, prevention, tooth brushing.

Graphical Abstract

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