Dental Caries
Dental caries is the most common chronic disease of childhood from ages 6 to 19.
Dental caries is largely preventable.
Caries destroy tooth structure leading to infection, pain, and loss of chewing function.
Early Childhood Caries is an aggressive form of caries in children under 6 years of age. ECC was once called "nursing caries" or "baby bottle tooth decay."
Etiology
- Influenced by socioeconomic status, feeding habits, access to dental care, fluoride exposure, and family caries experience.
Progression of ECC
- Upper front teeth (incisors) that are least protected by saliva are usually affected first.
- Disease moves posteriorly as teeth emerge.
Severe Early Childhood Caries
Joanna Douglass, BDS, DDS
References
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on early childhood caries (ECC): Consequences and preventive strategies. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2025:96-100.