Early Childhood Caries: A Family Centered Preventable Disease- Risk Determinants, Clinical Spectrum and Contemporary Management.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is encountered as a serious oral health issue, chiefly in deprived areas. ECC remains a global concern, troubling babies and pre-school-aged children across nations. The widespread nature of ECC is notable and it is reportedly found in approximately 85.0% of individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Due to its origins and solutions that are developed within the family environment, ECC is often referred to as a family-centered disease. ECC is a condition that affects infants and toddlers, characterized by the presence of decayed, missing, or filled teeth in children up to 71 months old. Maxillary primary incisors are the initial teeth to be affected. Decalcification of enamel appears as a white area in the cervical third of the tooth. At the early stage, if not identified and treated accordingly, lesion progression occurs and the clinical crown is destroyed. A wide range of cariogenic microbes, fermentable carbohydrates and certain environmental factors are recognised as the primary threats in the initiation and progression of ECC. ECC is a commonly found childhood illness; fortunately, it is an avoidable condition. Inappropriate feeding practices, marginalised populations, ignorant parents and the absence of facilities for dental treatment are principal contributing factors to the high prevalence of ECC. This appraisal focuses on the risk factors and emphasizes approaches to managing ECC.