Socioeconomic significance and prevention of early childhood caries

Abstract

© 2014 Faculty of Medicine in Niš. 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 socioeconomic, 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 knowledge, skills and oral hygiene habits with their children is a necessary measure aimed at preserving the health of the entire population.