Early Childhood Caries – A Review

From Volume 34, Issue 9, November 2007 | Pages 556-564

Authors

S Misra

BDS, MDentSci, MFD SRCS

Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Division of Child Dental Health, Leeds Dental Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

Articles by S Misra

JF Tahmassebi

BDS, MDentSci, FRCD(C), PhD

Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Division of Child Dental Health, Leeds Dental Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

Articles by JF Tahmassebi

M Brosnan

BDS, MDentSci, FRCD(C)

Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Division of Child Dental Health, Leeds Dental Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

Articles by M Brosnan

Abstract

Early childhood caries (ECC) is rampant caries of the primary dentition of infants and toddlers. It represents a serious problem in dentistry as it progresses rapidly and affects young children. There is a need to identify risk factors for ECC so that targeted, cost-effective interventions can be designed. The literature indicates that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further dental destruction, as well as more widespread health problems.

Article