Early childhood caries: causes, prevention and treatment
April 1, 2010
| Abstract Title: | Early childhood caries: causes, prevention and treatment |
| Authors: | Szekeres Catalena, Hosszu Tiberiu, Onet Melinda, Chisalita Gabriel |
| Affiliation: | “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Romania |
| Abstract text: | Early childhood caries (ECC) is a virulent form of dental caries that can destroy the primary dentition of toddlers and preschool children. It worldwide spread, afflicting predominantly disadvantaged children. The prevalence of EEC among these children ranges from 11% to 72%. ECC is an infectious disease, and Streptococcus mutans is the most likely causative agent; diet also plays a critical role in the acquisition and clinical expression of this infection. Early acquisition of S. mutans is a key event in the natural history of the disease. A very early sign of caries development is the beginnings of tooth demineralization, the slight penetration into tooth enamel, which is typically visualized by chalky white spots or lines. In this premature stage, white spots or lines can be reversible and caries progression can be avoided with proper care; fluoride application and diet changes are likely to be beneficial to the remineralization and protection of teeth. Further decay of the teeth from the enamel to the dentin is, obviously, more critical. Treatment of ECC is costly because the cooperative capacity of babies and preschool children usually necessitates the use of general anesthesia. Treatment usually consists of restoration or surgical removal of carious teeth along with recommendations regarding feeding habits. Primary prevention of ECC has largely been restricted to counseling parents about caries-promoting feeding behaviors. This approach has also had minimal success. Newer strategies addressing the infectious component through use of topical antimicrobial therapy appear promising. |
| Keywords: | tooth decay, periodontal injury, bleeding gums |
| Presentation type: | Poster |
| Correspondence: | no. 1 Feleacului St. Arad, Romania |
| Email: | kkrisz76@yahoo.com |
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