The etiology, treatment, and prevention of nursing caries

Despite the decline in the dental caries rate over the last 20 years, one particular segment of the population does not seem to have benefited significantly. This group is composed of infants and children afflicted with widespread caries destruction of deciduous teeth, most commonly referred to as nursing caries. Untreated cases of the disease have resulted in pain, loss of function, premature tooth loss, delays in development, hearing and speech difficulties, and psychosocial disturbances. Among these children are some of the most paramount problems that dentistry has had to face. This article specifically discusses the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, etiology, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of nursing caries, to serve as an up-to-date reference for the general dentist who treats this patient population.