Early Childhood Caries- A Review of Its Aetiology, Classification, Consequences, Prevention and Management

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a cause of serious concern globally. It is a major oral health problem affecting the primary dentition of infants and toddlers. At first it appears as white spots along the gingival margin of upper primary incisors. As the disease progresses, the white lesions develop into cavities which gradually enlarges resulting in complete loss of the crown. The major risk factors associated with the aetiology of ECC are classified into microbiological factors, dietary factors and environmental factors. In addition to these, several other contributory factors have been identified. Factors like lack of proper feeding practices, poor socioeconomic conditions, illiterate parents and inability to avail dental care can also contribute to the development of ECC. It is important to maintain the primary dentition in a healthy condition as it is essential for chewing, speech, facial beauty, preservation of space and prevention of abnormal habits. The most common immediate consequence of untreated dental caries is dental pain which disturbs the regular activities of children such as talking, eating, sleeping and playing. Severe ECC can lead to functional, aesthetic and psychological disturbances of the child due to early loss of teeth. ECC is not self-limiting and hence requires treatment to remove infection and restore function. The treatment of ECC includes educating and counseling of mothers, fluoride application, oral hygiene measures, dietary guidance and remedial measures. Since oral health constitutes an integral part of general health, ECC if left untreated can lead to far reaching health issues. This review focuses on the prevalence, aetiology, risk factors, preventive strategies and management of ECC.