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1.
Early Childhood Caries is defined as the presence of one or more
decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries)
or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a preschool-age
child between birth and 71 months of age. 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. It is advantageous for
the first visit to occur within six months of eruption of the first
tooth and no later than 12 months of age, and
* Receiving oral health education based on the child's developmental
needs (also known as anticipatory guidance). |
| Because
cariogenic bacteria (especially mutans streptococci) are transmitted
soon after the first teeth erupt, decreasing the mother's mutans
levels may decrease the child's risk of developing ECC. The Association
recommends that parents, including expectant parents, be encouraged
to visit a dentist to ensure their own oral health. |
| Unrestricted,
at-will consumption of liquids, beverages and foods containing fermentable
carbohydrates (e.g. juice drinks, soft drinks, milk, and starches)
can contribute to decay after eruption of the first tooth. |
Unrestricted
and at-will intake of sugary liquids during the day or while in
bed should be discouraged.
Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottle before going to bed.
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| Unrestricted,
at-will nocturnal breastfeeding after eruption of the child's first
tooth can lead to an increased risk of caries. |
Children
should be encouraged to drink from a cup by their first birthday.
At will, frequent use of a training cup should be discouraged. |
Proper
oral hygiene practices, such as cleaning an infant's teeth following
consumption of foods, liquids, or medication containing fermentable
carbohydrates, should be implemented by the time of the eruption
of the first tooth.
A child's teeth should be periodically checked at home according
to the directions of the dentist. |
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