Policy on Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Classifications, Consequences, and Preventive Strategies.

Purpose The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes early childhood caries [(ECC); formerly termed nursing bottle caries, baby bottle tooth decay] as a significant public health problem. 1 The AAPD encourages oral health care providers and caregivers to implement preventive practices that can decrease a child's risks of developing this devastating disease. Methods This document is a revision of the previous policy, last revised in 2008. The update used electronic and hand searches of English written articles in the dental and medical literature within the last 10 years, using the search terms infant oral health, infant oral health care, and early childhood caries. When data did not appear sufficient or were inconclusive, recommendations were based upon expert and/or consensus opinion by experienced researchers and clinicians.