Young Children Early Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent and aggressive form of dental decay (Figure 6). ECC typically develops when cariogenic liquids - such as those containing free sugars, including milk or formula - remain in prolonged contact with teeth, especially during sleep. This often occurs when infants or toddlers are put to bed with a bottle or breastfed on demand throughout the night without appropriate oral hygiene. For this reason, ECC has historically been referred to as "nursing caries," "baby bottle tooth decay," or "bottle mouth," though the term early childhood caries is now preferred to reflect the multifactorial nature of the disease. This is why ECC is also often termed nursing bottle caries, baby bottle caries, or nursing caries.

Figure 6. Early Childhood Caries

Figure 6. Early Childhood Caries

Provided by and used with permission from: Dr. Marcelle Nascimento, DDS, MS, PhD.

According to the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), ECC affects 1% of US children by the age of 12 to 24 months of age, with prevalence rising to about 5% by 35 months. ECC disproportionately affects children from low-income families and underrepresented minority populations. In particular, Native American and Alaska Native children continue to experience the highest burden, with studies reporting ECC prevalence as high as 80% in children under 5 years of age.²⁰