Early childhood caries
The term “Severe Early Childhood Caries” refers to “atypical” or “progressive” or “acute” or “rampant” patterns of dental caries. 2. The Association recognizes that early childhood caries is a significant public health problem in selected populations and is also found throughout the general population. 3. The Association urges health professionals and the public to recognize that a child’s teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they begin to erupt. Early childhood caries is an infectious disease. There are many aspects of early childhood caries; baby bottle tooth decay is recognized as one of the more severe manifestations of this syndrome. 4. The Association urges parents and guardians, as a child’s first tooth erupts, to consult with their dentist regarding: • Scheduling the child’s first dental visit.
Early childhood caries, also known as baby bottle caries, baby bottle tooth decay, and bottle rot, is a syndrome characterized by severe decay in the teeth of infants or young children. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a very common bacteria infection. Its prevalence is epidemic; in the US its rate is highest in minority and rural populations, at times infecting over 70% of the children. A large body of scientific evidence indicates that ECC is an infectious and transmissible disease, with Streptococcus mutans the primary microbiological agent in the disease. The disease process begins with the transmission of the bacteria to the child, usually from the primary caretaker, the mother. Mothers with untreated dental disease present a very high risk to their children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that frequent consumption of liquids containing fermentable carbohydrates (e.g.
Bacteria stick to the film on your teeth called plaque. The bacteria feed on what you eat, especially sugars (including fruit sugars) and cooked starch (bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc.). About 5 minutes after you eat, or drink, the bacteria begin making acids as they digest your food. These acids can break down the tooth’s outer surface and dissolve valuable minerals. The result is cavities. Children who snack frequently, have a high level of bacteria, or go to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water, are more likely to have ECC. HOW TO PREVENT ECC? Many parents do not realize that nutritious food and drinks such as milk, formula, breast milk, and fruit juice have naturally occurring sugars that contribute to the decay process. When children go to bed with a bottle containing milk for example, liquid sits in the child’s mouth for an extended period creating a perfect environment for bacteria.
Related Questions
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- Early childhood caries
