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 between birth and 71 months 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
• 37% of children ages 2-8 years
• 35% of 3-year-olds from low income families
• Untreated dental caries in primary teeth among children aged 2-8 is 2x the rate for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children compared with non-Hispanic white children

Progression

• Upper front teeth that are least protected by saliva are affected first.
• Disease moves posteriorly as teeth emerge.