Managing Early Childhood Caries in Asia-Pacific Region

Early childhood caries (ECC) affects about half of preschool children in Asia. However, most preschool children in Asia-Pacific do not receive dental care for their ECC. Untreated ECC causes pain and infection, affecting the growth, development, and quality of life of children. The Asia Pacific Dental Federation (APDF) emphasizes the need for ECC management to address the prevalence and severity of ECC. The APDF organized an ECC management workshop at the Asia Pacific Dental Congress 2024. An ECC working group was formed by a panel of health experts who reviewed the literature and developed ECC management recommendations for different stakeholders in Asian countries and regions. Drawing on the promise of current ECC management practices from Asia-Pacific, the working group recommends forming partnerships with the government to improve oral health literacy by implementing nationwide annual dental check-ups for pre-schoolers in communities or kindergartens. Policy makers should prioritize oral health in universal health coverage, integrate it into the general healthcare system, and improve access to oral health services. Dental associations should provide guidelines for ECC management, implement school-based oral health programs, and collect data on children's oral health. Oral health professionals should employ minimal invasive interventions, raise awareness, and collaborate with other healthcare providers. Academia should conduct research, translate findings into practice, and offer education and training. Parents should ensure proper oral hygiene, promote a healthy diet, and schedule regular check-ups. Educational institutions should incorporate oral health education and implement preventive measures. These recommendations aim to facilitate the adoption of preventive measures for ECC management.