Trends in early childhood caries: an Italian perspective

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a widespread disease very common among the young children9 . ECC is defined by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as the presence of one or more decayed (non cavitated or cavitated), missing teeth (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child up to 71 months of age or younger. Severe ECC (S-ECC) is any sign of smooth surface caries seen in children younger than 3 years of age; from ages 3 to 5, 1 or more cavitated, missing (due to caries) or filled smooth surfaces in primary maxillary anterior teeth or decayed, missing or filled score of ≥4 (age 3), or ≥5 (age 4), or ≥6 (age 5) surfaces constitute SECC 2. All caries lesions result from the interaction of 3 variables: pathogenic microorganisms in the mouth (particularly S. Mutansand Lactobacillus), fermentable carbohydrates that the microorganisms metabolize to organic acid and tooth surfaces that are susceptible to acid dissolution. To cause caries, these variables must interact over a suitable period of time19. Many factors regarding lifestyle are associated with ECC, particularly dietary habits, infant-feeding practices, oral hygiene practice and use of fluoride, socio-economic conditions, and ethnic origin19. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of early childhood caries and its predictor factors among Italian preschool children.