Early childhood caries (ECC): a preventive-conservative treatment mode during a 12-month period

PURPOSE: To evaluate a preventive treatment mode for early childhood caries (ECC). POPULATION AND METHODS: The population to be studied included 30 children who, over a 12-month period, presented with ECC to a private dental clinic. Parents preferred non-invasive, preventive treatment over restorations. Parents were given hygiene and proper feeding instructions. Mesial slicing was performed where proximal caries was observed. Children were examined once every two months. They received supervised professional topical fluoride treatment. Plaque level, brushing, stopping the bottle, eating sweets, appearance of new lesions or exacerbation of existing condition were observed and recorded. RESULTS: In the vast majority of patients, the progression of ECC was arrested after the preventive regimen. Three children required restorations. They had failed to limit sugar consumption and to comply with brushing instruction. General improvement was observed in plaque control, brushing habits and sweets consumption. CONCLUSION: Preventive measures may successfully arrest ECC and thereby avoid invasive procedures as well as the need of anesthesia.