Early Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a pandemic oral health problem affecting infants and preschool children. It initiates with white-spot lesions in the maxillary deciduous incisors along the gingival margin and progresses rapidly to complete destruction of the crown. It is a multifactorial disease caused to interaction of cariogenic microorganisms, frequent carbohydrate exposure, inappropriate feeding practices and social variables. Even though it is largely a preventable condition, ECC remains one of the most common childhood diseases. Oral health plays a vital role in children to maintain the oral functions and is required for eating, speech development, and a positive self-image. It has a lasting detrimental impact on the dentition and children¿s emotional status, sleep patterns, and ability to learn or perform their usual activities. This review will focus on the prevalence, risk factors, etiology and preventive plans and management of the same.