Early childhood dental care

Background

In 1890, WD Miller reported that dental decay is a chemo-parasitic process consisting of two stages, decalcification and dissolution. In 1937, GV Black stated that oral hygiene starts with the baby’s first tooth. Nevertheless, the focus to date in dentistry has been on treatment rather than prevention. Even though dental disease is common in all population groups and is preventable.

Methodology

The study from Arthur J. Nowak is based on research of historical and contemporary literature of dentistry and dental care as well as the author’s academic and clinical experiences.

Results

• “60–90% of children worldwide between 2 and 12 years demonstrate the effects of dental disease.”
• Early detection of caries infection, especially in babies and small children, is a prerequisite for the secondary care and protection of the primary teeth. Caries in primary teeth can also endanger the second, permanent teeth.
• “Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is often associated with serious comorbidities affecting children, their families, the community and the health care system.”
• Primary prevention aims to avoid the development of disease. Secondary prevention attempts to diagnose a disease by early detection and reduce its effect through treatment. Tertiary prevention strives to alleviate disease complications by restoring function and reduce disabilities.
• “…it is time to focus our efforts on primary prevention and begin with early intervention with the infant and his/her parents/caretakers.”
• Child caries prevention begins during pregnancy – with preventive medical examinations for the parents and through nutrition. Beginning shortly after birth, the infant’s mouth should be cleaned regularly with a Xylitol-soaked cloth. With the appearance of the first tooth, children‘s toothbrushes and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste should be used. At the age of six months, the first dental check-up is needed to assess the risk of caries and plan for regular, preventive examinations.
• Recommendations for dental health and oral hygiene can only be implemented through the participation of parents and professionals.
• “A healthy mouth is vital for a healthy body.”
• This paradigm shift is needed: From treatment of disease to management of oral hygiene. ‘‘The best time to begin oral care is as soon as the baby has a tooth’’.

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