New Classification of Early Childhood Caries Proposed

Fresh off the heels of two studies on childhood dental caries, published by the International Association for Dental Research and American Association for Dental Research, the two groups are recommending that severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) be reclassified into new categories: hypoplasia-associated S-ECC or hypomineralization-associated S-ECC. The studies, titled “Hypoplasia-Associated Severe Early Childhood Caries—A Proposed Definition,” (New York University College of Dentistry), and “Deciduous Molar Hypomineralization and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization,” (Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam), examine the definitions of dental caries susceptibility to hypomineralization and hypoplasia.

Hypoplasia-associated S-ECC (or HAS-ECC) is a proposed new classification that primarily affects young, low-income children. According to the associations, this categorization is marked by structurally damaged primary teeth caused by permutations of enamel hypoplasia—an indicator of prenatal or early childhood malnutrition or illness. This classification is important, the groups note, because therapies that control or prevent caries are likely to be less successful among this group of children. The publications also state that the most effective approach for addressing HAS-ECC is educating low-income pregnant mothers about oral health care and nutrition.

Hypomineralization-associated S-ECC is a classification of childhood caries that focuses on the relationship between deciduous molar hypomineralization and permanent molar incisor hypomineralization. The research suggests that children who are diagnosed with one are more likely to develop the other. It is thought that the occurrences are closely related, leading researchers to probe for a shared cause. In the meantime, the alliance believes children who present with deciduous molar hypomineralization should be considered higher risk during the eruption of permanent molars and incisors.