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.
Tinanoff N, Reisine S. Update on early childhood caries since the Surgeon General's Report.AcadPediatr.2009; 9(6):396-403.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Classifications, Consequences, and Preventive Strategies. 2011. Reference Manual 33(6): 47-49.
NCHS Data Brief, Number 191, March 2015, Dental Caries and Sealant Prevalence in Children and Adolescents in the United States, 2011-2012.Â