What is ECC?
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a chronic disease that destroys tooth structure leading to loss of chewing function, pain, and infection in children through five years of age. Defined as > 1 decayed, missing, or filled primary tooth surface in children less than 6 years of age.
- ECC was once called "nursing caries" or "baby bottle tooth decay."
- Now the disease is called ECC as a variety of feeding habits are implicated.
- Other known variables include socioeconomic status, access to dental care, fluoride exposure, and family caries experience.
Relevance
- 23% of children ages 2-5 years
- 17% of permanent teeth ages 6-11
- 57% adolescents ages 12-19
- Higher Prevalence among Mexican American, Non-Hispanic Black and children of lower socioeconomic status
Progression
- Upper front teeth that are least protected by saliva are affected first.
- Disease moves posteriorly as teeth emerge.
Severe Early Childhood Caries
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health Surveillance Report: Trends in Dental Caries and Sealants, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism, United States, 1999–2004 to 2011–2016. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2019. www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/OHSR-2019-dental-caries-permanent-teeth.html
US Department of Health and Human Services. Oral health in America. A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health; 2000.
NCHS Data Brief, Number 191, March 2015, Dental Caries and Sealant Prevalence in Children and Adolescents in the United States, 2011-2012.Â