When you hear your hygienist and dentist to talk to one another about your teeth, you may not always know exactly what they’re talking about. To some, especially those who aren’t in the industry, medical terms and dental jargon could even sound like an entirely different language, and the initialism ECC is likely no exception. So what exactly is an ECC? Fortunately, this term is pretty simple to understand once you know what each letter stands for.  

In the dental world, ECC stands for Early Childhood Caries, a term used to describe tooth decay in patients aged 0–71 months (or five years old). Caries is essentially just another word for a much more commonly known term: a cavity. Caries (or cavities) are damaged areas in a tooth that typically appear as tiny holes or other openings. These caries can, if left unfilled, lead to pain, infection, and ultimately loss of the tooth.

Caries have a number of contributing causes, including genetics, poor oral hygiene, snacking on sugary drinks or snacks, or mouth bacteria. Once a cavity forms, it often continues to grow larger over time, affecting more of the tooth unless filled or otherwise treated by your dentist.

Even though ECCs occur in a child’s baby teeth, that doesn’t mean that they’re less of a risk than cavities in adult teeth. In fact, due to the thinner enamel of baby teeth, they’re even more of a potential issue than an adult’s cavity. On top of pain and tooth damage, children are learning and growing at a rapid rate, and suffering from ECCs can affect a child’s ability to learn, speak, eat or even sleep. ECC can also cause misalignment of a child’s permanent teeth.

Fortunately ECCs are preventable with a combination of a proper daily oral health routine and regular dental cleanings and check-ups beginning at one year old or within six months of them getting their first tooth. For very young children, avoid letting them fall asleep with a bottle of juice or milk. Make sure to wipe the baby’s mouth, teeth and gums after every feeding. For preschool-aged children, it’s important to help them brush their teeth and floss regularly – the habits they form as children will help keep their smiles bright and healthy their whole life through.

Both of our locations are proud to offer pediatric dentistry services, with child-friendly video games available in our waiting rooms to help entertain children while they wait for their check-ups. After their appointment, children are able to spend the tokens they receive from their visits at our toy tower:

If your child’s baby teeth are starting to emerge, use the orange Book Online button to schedule their appointment today – the first visit under three is free!