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Introduction: Early childhood caries is considered to be the most
common infectious and chronic pediatric disease, which is defined as the
presence of tooth decay that implies any primary tooth in a child six
years of age or younger and develops through a complex process that
involves the transmission of infectious bacteria, dietary habits and
oral hygiene. It often occurs as a result of prolonged breastfeeding and
frequent consumption of sugar-containing beverages in a baby bottle.
Nowadays, it is considered one of the topical public health issues in
developing countries, as well as developed countries around the world,
due to its high prevalence. The results of many studies indicate that
there are leading risk factors common to all regions, such as
socio-economic, cultural and factors related to hygiene and dietary
habits.
However, the greatest single risk factor is poverty.
This disease is often followed by complications, such as chronic
pulpitis and apical periodontitis , and can cause severe pain that
disturbs children’s daily activities, eating, sleeping, and affects
growth and development.
It requires extensive and expensive dental treatments which sometimes
need to be performed under general anesthesia, and the final results are
still unsatisfactory. However, significant results can be achieved by
the introduction, evaluation and implementation of prevention programs
and strategic measures. The role of the state and the community is very
important in making decisions on directing their resources to
prevention, as the most cost-effective measure, as well as in increasing
public awareness of the importance of oral health as part of general
health. The role of professionals prior to medical treatment and also
parents at family level in providing the knowle-dge, skills and oral
hygiene habits with their children is a necessary measure aimed at
preserving the health of the entire population.
Key words: early childhood caries, socioeconomic factors,
prevention
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