Early Childhood Caries in Children: Causes and Prevention Methods

Early Childhood Caries in Children: Causes and Prevention Methods Early Childhood Caries is one of the most prevalent diseases in children in world wide. Early childhood caries is driven by a dysbiotic state of oral microorganisms mainly caused by a sugar-rich diet. Additionally, poor oral hygiene or insufficient dental plague removal leads to the rapid progression of  Early Childhood Caries .  Early Childhood Caries leads not only to dental destruction and pain with children but also affects the quality of life of the caregivers. Children with extensive  Early Childhood Caries are at high risk to develop caries with permanent dentition or will have other problems with speaking or eating.  To prevent  Early Childhood Caries, several strategies should be taken into account. Children should brush their teeth with toothpaste containing gentle ingredients, such as mild surfactants and agents showing anti-adherent properties regarding oral micro microorganisms. Parents/caregivers have to help their children with brushing their teeth.  Early Childhood Caries develop soon as the dental plaque is not removed adequately. This leads to changing metabolism with dental plaque microbiota producing mainly lactic acids that will demineralize the enamel. In addition to a low sugary diet, children should brush their teeth twice a day under parental supervision and be supported with brushing. The caregivers should especially support very young children (under the age of 3) continuously. Toothpaste should mainly comprise promising remineralizing agents for children's oral care.