Oral Health of Indigenous Children and the Influence of Early Childhood Caries on Childhood Health and Well-being

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Current state of oral health among indigenous children

Despite advances in prevention and treatment, many children still experience elevated rates of dental disease. Recent evidence from the National Health and Examination Surveys (NHANES) in the United States indicates that the prevalence and severity of tooth decay among preschool children has risen significantly over the last two decades.1 Higher rates of dental disease are often exhibited among at-risk populations including ethnic and cultural groups and those economically challenged.

Relationship between ECC and childhood health and well-being

Continuing with ECC as a proxy for overall oral health, the association of ECC with three key areas of childhood health and well-being are reviewed next: (1) growth and development, (2) common pediatric illnesses and conditions, and (3) quality of life (QoL). Although not a formal systematic review, relevant investigations of associations are discussed. Unfortunately, few studies relating ECC to childhood health involve Indigenous children, but results from studies with other children can be

Oral Health Promotion Research

This section focuses on the prevention of ECC and the promotion of oral health in young children. Because dental caries is the most prevalent dental disorder in young Indigenous children, this section is limited to strategies aimed to prevent ECC. Unfortunately, a universally effective, caries-prevention program with predictable long-term results has yet to be found.

ECC is a complex disease that is multifactorial in origin; any preventive program must include a variety of strategies.78 There is

Summary

Dental caries in Indigenous children is a child health issue that is multifactorial in origin and strongly influenced by the determinants of health. The evidence, although generally of a lower quality, suggests that extensive dental caries has an effect on health and well-being of the young child. Although counseling about dietary practices and tooth brushing and interventions involving fluoride show promise in reducing the severity of ECC, the level of evidence for each is variable. Combined

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Eleonore Kliewer for her assistance with manuscript preparation.

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