ECC

Question 1

Early childhood caries

Answer 1

Presence of one or more decayed, missing or filled tooth surfaces in a primary tooth in a child of 71 months of age or younger.

DMFT

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

1. Microbial risk factors (vertical transmission)
2. Feeding practices
3. Sugars
4. Poor oral habits
5. Socio-economic factors

Question 3

Pattern of ECC (NB)

Answer 3

1. Affects primary upper anterior teeth then molars and canines
2. Mandibular primary incisors are less resistant because of their close proximity to salivary glands and cleansing action of tongue
3. Upper maxillary anterior (FPDM)
4. Upper primary 1st molar (FPOI)
5. Upper primary canine and 2nd molar ( FPI)
6. Lower primary molar at later stages
7. Lower primary mandibular teeth usually not involved

Question 4

Short term effects of untreated ECC (NB)

Answer 4

• pain
• infection
• poor appetite
• disturbed sleep
• emergency visits and hospitalization
• absence from school
• need to extract
• need to treat under GA
• premature loss of molars leading to malocclusion
• reduced concentration and learning ability

Question 5

Pathological factors of ECC (NB)

BAD

Answer 5

Bacteria
Absence of saliva
Dietary habits

Question 6

Protective factors

SAFE

Answer 6

Saliva and sealants
Antimicrobials
Fluoride
Effective diet

Question 7

Anticipatory guidance (10)

Answer 7

Sharing with parents or caregivers information about the child’s current oral health status as well as future needs

• dental visit within 6 months of eruption of 1st tooth
• do not put infants to sleep with a bottle
• wean from bottle at 12-14 months of age
• avoid consumption of juice from bottle or sippy cup
• cleanse baby teeth from eruption of 1st tooth
• counsel about bacterial transmission

Question 8

Tools available to assess caries

Answer 8

Cambra
Cariogram
Carifree

Question 9

Tri plaque gel (NB)

Answer 9

• unique 3 tone plaque disclosing agent that identifies new, mature and acid producing biofilms
• highlights exactly where the bacteria are most active by disclosing pH
• motivates patients to improve oral hygiene

💜💜💜old plaque (older than 48 hours)
❤️💕❤️Newly formed
💙💙💙high risk acid producing plaque