Early childhood caries in Indigenous communities

Abstract

The oral health of Indigenous children of Canada (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) and the United States (American Indian, Alaska Native) is a major child health issue: there is a high prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and resulting adverse health effects in this community, as well as high rates and costs of restorative and surgical treatments under general anesthesia. ECC is an infectious disease that is influenced by multiple factors, including socioeconomic determinants, and requires a combination of approaches for improvement. This statement includes recommendations for preventive oral health and clinical care for young infants and pregnant women by primary health care providers, community-based health-promotion initiatives, oral health workforce and access issues, and advocacy for community water fluoridation and fluoride-varnish program access. Further community-based research on the epidemiology, prevention, management, and microbiology of ECC in Indigenous communities would be beneficial. Pediatrics 2011;127:1190-1198 PU - AMER ACAD PEDIATRICS PI - ELK GROVE VILLAGE PA - 141 NORTH-WEST POINT BLVD,, ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007-1098 USA