Enigma of Innocent Smiles-ECC

Background: Early childhood caries is multi-factorial and is the result of a time-specific interaction of microorganisms with sugars on a tooth surface. In addition to the casual factors, ECC have been associated with various social and behavioural risk factors like improper feeding practices, low socioeconomic status, immigrant families, inadequate health literacy and low education levels in parents and caregivers. Such factors have led to the design and implementation of modern public health strategies and the so-called common risk factor approach.

Aim: The aim of this poster is to highlight various behavioural attributes which have been implicated as a part of multifactorial etiology of ECC.

Method: A review of literature confined to English language have been explored using terms – ECC, socio-behavioural factors in databases – Pubmed, Wiley Online, JCPD, BMC oral health, EJPD, NCBI, Science of Public Health, JISPPD, IJPD, WHO ECC Policies, AAPD Guidelines and hand research.

Results: Although several factors are responsible for worldwide prevalence of ECC but based upon knowledge retrieved from various articles, it is quite evident that families with patterns of risk behaviours are particularly vulnerable to diseases.

Conclusion: ECC is a public health concern challenging our diagnostic, preventive and restorative skills. Strategies for management of ECC should put emphasis primarily on prevention. Oral health promotion aimed at high risk groups, pregnant women, mothers and primary caregivers should raise concern at risk factors which can be modified in time to reduce disease progression.