CHILDHOOD DENTAL CARIES IN THE DENTAL OFFICE

Liviu Stafie, Liliana Iliescu, Odetta Duma, Norin Forna, Chirica Valeriu, Roxana Mihaela Barbu

Abstract

The literature regarding dental and systemic effects of Early Childhood Caries (ECC), consequences of leaving carious primary teeth untreated, benefits of appropriate treatment, and concerns regarding dental treatment of young children and the potential for dental anxiety, is reviewed. ECC has consequences, affecting both the child’s dental health and his/her general health. This paper reviews the literature regarding ECC and its consequences (pain, sepsis, space loss, disruption to quality of life, failure to thrive, effects on intellectual development, greater risk of new carious lesions in both primary and permanent dentitions, higher incidence of hospitalisation and emergency visits, and increased treatment costs and time). The effects of treatment of ECC are also reviewed; and concerns regarding purported associations between treatment of ECC and dental anxiety are addressed.

Materials and methods: Information on oral hygiene and dietary habits, oral health behaviours and socio-demographic variables was collected using questionnaires completed by the parents. Clinical examinations were performed using standardized criteria. Caries experience was recorded at the level of cavitation.

Results: Multivariate analysis showed age, dental plaque, sleeping beside the mother, use of comforters and selected dietary habits to have an independent effect on caries prevalence. Dental plaque and prolonged breast feeding exerted an independent effect on caries severity and gingivitis. The strongest association with gingivitis was dental plaque.

Conclusions: Presence of visible plaque accumulation and reported consumption of sugared drinks were associated with prevalence of caries experience in Flemish preschool children. Severity of disease was associated with gender and with presence of plaque. Results underline the importance of plaque control and diet management from very young age on.

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.3.17.6