​OBJECTIVE

​By the end of today lesson learners will be able to:

1. To identify the clinical signs/symptoms of ECC

​2. To apply the knowledge and educate patients on prevention

• Most common childhood disease

  Early childhood caries is the presence of one or more decayed, missing or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child 6 years of age or younger

• Etiology

​EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES (ECC)

​https://decisionsindentistry.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/featured-ECC.jpg

​SIGNS OF ECC

EARLY SIGNS

• ​DULL WHITE SPOTS

• ​CHALKY ENAMEL

​

MODERTAE SIGNS

• ​YELLOW/BROWN CAVITATION

​

ADVANCED SIGNS

• ​MORE SEVERE - BLACK (RAMPANT)

​http://gpdentalpartners.com.au/media/2015/07/caries-decay-signs.jpg

​https://i.pinimg.com/originals/22/d7/42/22d742e5eead4c96662c5aa10d45451b.jpg

​SYMPTOMS

• ​PAIN

• ​TOOTH SENSITIVITY

• ​TOOTH ACHES

• ​AFFECTS PERMANENT TEETH

• ​MALNUTRITION

​PREVENTION

​

• EARLY DENTAL VISITS

• ​ HOME CARE

• ​ NUTRITION

• ​ FLUORIDE TREATMENTS

KEY POINTS

​- ECC is the most common childhood disease

- Previously known as baby bottle caries/nursing caries

- Effects children 6 years and younger

- Early signs: white chalky dull spots à Initially seen on maxillary incisors - (gingival margin)

- moderate signs: Brown or yellow cavitation on enamel

- Severe signs – breakdown of enamel and rampant (black)

- Symptoms: Pain, affects permanent dentition, malnutrition, sensitivity

- Prevention: dental visits, diet, fluoride treatments, home care and patient education (counselling for parents)