Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
08:12
Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Early childhood caries
1Department of Public Health, NHS Fife, Leven, Scotland, UK.
Evidence-Based Dentistry
|June 25, 2013
Summary
Early childhood caries (ECC) are influenced by factors during an infant's first year. Maternal factors impact bacterial acquisition, while oral health and feeding habits affect colonization, impacting ECC experience.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the determinants of ECC during the first year of life is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize existing literature on the determinants of early childhood caries (ECC) during the first year of life.
- To identify factors influencing the acquisition and colonization of oral cariogenic bacteria in infants.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase databases for papers published between 1996 and 2011.
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, with initial screening by one reviewer and 10% by a second reviewer.
- Data abstraction was performed independently; meta-analysis was not feasible due to study heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Four papers focused on bacterial acquisition, colonization, and caries outcomes in infants.
- Thirteen papers examined determinants of ECC during the first year of life.
- Findings indicated that maternal factors influence bacterial acquisition, while oral health behaviors, practices, and feeding habits mediate colonization.
Conclusions:
- Factors during an infant's first year significantly impact early childhood caries (ECC) experience.
- Maternal factors play a role in the acquisition of cariogenic bacteria.
- Oral health behaviors, practices, and feeding habits are key mediators of bacterial colonization and subsequent ECC.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:11Oral Cavity
The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:14Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
Exploration...