OHRA - Early Childhood Caries

Course Outline > Overview of Dental Caries and Early Childhood Caries

Early Childhood Caries

	A severe, rapidly progressing form of tooth decay in infants and young children

	Affects teeth that erupt first, and are least protected by saliva

Initial lesions—white decalcification with beginning enamel breakdown

Late stage lesions—moderate to severe enamel and dentin destruction

Early childhood caries (ECC) occurs in the primary teeth of infants and young children. This condition can progress very rapidly due to the enamel of primary teeth being thinner than that of permanent teeth. In addition, ECC affects the teeth that erupt first because they are least protected by saliva. While ECC is often associated with the use of frequent feeding at nap time and bedtime, this is not the exclusive cause.