A Public Health Strategy for Preventing Early Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a type of dental decay that affects the primary teeth of infants and preschool-aged children under the age of 6 years. Recognized as one of the most common oral health concerns among children worldwide, ECC can spread rapidly once it develops, often involving multiple teeth. In developing countries, more than 70% of children under the age of 6 years are commonly affected by dental caries, frequently resulting in pain and infection. Given the severity of this issue, it is essential to develop preventive strategies from an early stage of life. This paper aims to explore various public health measures at the community level to prevent ECC, ensuring that a larger number of children can avoid this significant oral health challenge.