Introduction

Cavities in young children are known as Early Childhood Caries (ECC). ECC is now an epidemic. It can cause children great pain, loss of vigor, poor appetite or other significant problems. It is preventable. If ECC develops, it is better to treat at early stages rather than to wait so that permanent teeth are not damaged. Some definitions and terms often used when discussing ECC

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Dental decay in the primary teeth in children under age 3 years
• Rampant caries: ECC with > 1 cavity on the teeth in the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) teeth
• Baby bottle mouth caries (Nursing Caries): A form of ECC affecting upper front (anterior) teeth and molars without affecting lower front (anterior) teeth

Dental caries affects different parts of the teeth, (enamel, dentin, or cementum) in the crown or the root of the tooth. Nearly all cases contain bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, which produce lactic acid as the products responsible for the caries.

Its prevalence is epidemic; in the US its rate is highest in minority and rural populations, at times infecting over 70% of the children.

Children and adults with disabilities are at risk for many dental problems. In these tutorials will highlight the oral health needs of this population, ways to identify ECC and means to prevent it.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Not only can greater collaboration among health professionals result in better work environments, but by synergistically integrating the active involvement of those in your care with the expertise of educators and clinicians alike, the delivery of improved health care to patients and their families can be achieved.