Early Childhood Caries Prevention Strategies: Current Evidence, Public Health Approaches, and Future Directions

doi:N/A

Global Journal of Dental Specialty

2025, Volume 3, Issue 3 : 1-7

Research Article

Early Childhood Caries Prevention Strategies: Current Evidence, Public Health Approaches, and Future Directions

Emily J. Watson

Rakesh Sharma

Sofia M. Alvarez

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Global Institute of Dental Sciences, New York, USA

Department of Public Health Dentistry, International Dental Research University, New Delhi, India

Department of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health Sciences, European School of Dentistry, Madrid, Spain

Abstract

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting children worldwide. ECC is a multifactorial disease characterized by the presence of one or more decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces in primary teeth of children younger than six years. The condition negatively impacts oral health, nutrition, growth, speech development, quality of life, and overall well-being. Effective prevention strategies involve a combination of parental education, dietary counseling, fluoride use, oral hygiene promotion, regular dental visits, community-based interventions, and emerging digital technologies. This review examines the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, evidence-based prevention strategies, public health approaches, and future innovations in ECC prevention. Current evidence indicates that early intervention and multidisciplinary preventive programs significantly reduce ECC incidence and improve long-term oral health outcomes.

Keywords

Early Childhood Caries

ECC

Pediatric Dentistry

Caries Prevention

Fluoride

Oral Health Promotion

Preventive Dentistry

Child Oral Health

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