Early Childhood Caries

Early Childhood Caries (ECC), or previously known as “bottle decay” is a phenomenon still poorly understood, but pretty widespread. Many parents notice their 2-4 year olds developing widespread cavities on their front teeth, in spite of the fact that they may be extremely cautious with their diet and oral hygiene. In the past it was associated with babies sucking on their formula milk bottle in bed and going to sleep with it, thus creating an environment for the decay-causing bacteria to thrive on the pooled and fermenting milk on the surface of their teeth. Nowadays there seem to be other aggravating factors, and thorough attention has to be given by parents to keep the teeth clean from the bacteria that cause this condition.

Diet, proper oral hygiene, Xylitol gels, some homeopathic remedies, and proactive dentistry can all be used to prevent or slow down this condition.

Early Childhood Caries Facts

• ECC develops as a result of very early colonization of the baby’s mouth with streptococcus mutans bacteria.
• The bacterial colonies covering the teeth, known as plaque, will process sugars coming into contact with them and produce acid as a by-product, which in turn will cause enamel to become softer and porous. These white chalky lesions will then progress into the more advanced decay seen in rotting teeth, especially in upper incisors of children between the ages of 2 and 4.
• Recent research shows that breastfeeding and its duration are not associated with the risk for early childhood caries. Independent associations with increased risk for early childhood caries are rather older child age, poverty, and maternal prenatal smoking. Some ethnic groups were independently associated with severe early childhood caries.

ECC - Earlier • later befoe bonding • after bonding