Policy on Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Unique Challenges and Treatment Options

Policy statement

The AAPD recognizes the unique and often virulent nature of ECC and the value of preventive care and interventions to halt disease progression. The AAPD encourages nondental health care providers who identify a child as having ECC or risk factors for the disease to refer the patient to a dentist for treatment and establishment of a dental home. Timely intervention is indicated and includes nonsurgical interventions that may reduce or postpone the need for sedation or general anesthesia. Because children who experience ECC are at greater risk for subsequent caries development, the AAPD encourages preventive measures (eg, dietary counseling, reinforcement of toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste, sealants on primary molars), more frequent professional visits with applications of topical fluoride, and minimally invasive and restorative care (as necessary) for this vulnerable population.