PREVENTION OF EARLY-CHILDHOOD CARIES

This paper reviews the methods used for the prevention of early childh ood caries (ECC). The education of mothers or caregivers to promote he althy dietary habits in infants has been the main strategy used for th e prevention of ECC. This review found that education has a modest imp act on the development of ECC. While education should be promoted espe cially in high risk communities and population groups (low-income fami lies and native populations), it should ndt be the only preventive str ategy of ECC. Early screening for signs of caries development, startin g from the first year of life, could identify infants and toddlers who are at risk of developing ECC and assist in providing information to parents about how to promote oral health and prevent the development o f tooth decay. High risk children include those with early signs of EC C, poor oral hygiene, limited exposure to fluorides, and frequent expo sure to sugary snacks and drinks. These children should be targeted wi th a professional preventive program that includes fluoride varnish ap plication, fluoridated dentifrices, fluoride supplements, sealants, di et counseling, and chlorhexidine. Prevention of ECC also requires addr essing the social and economic factors that face many families where E CC is endemic.