DENTAL CARIES PREVENTION IN YOUNG CHILDREN: MODERN APPROACHES AND METHODS

Komila Bakhtiyorovna Fayziyeva,Abdullayev Dilmurod Sharifovich

Authors

Komila Bakhtiyorovna Fayziyeva,Abdullayev Dilmurod Sharifovich Tashkent State Medical University, student,Scientific Supervisor

Keywords:

early childhood caries, prevention, fluorides, fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, xylitol, caries risk assessment, dental home, infants and toddlers.

Abstract

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of childhood, affecting, according to the WHO (2022), more than 600 million children worldwide. The aim of this work is to systematize current evidence on caries prevention methods in children under 3 years of age and to analyze their evidence base.

Materials and methods. A literature review covering 2013–2024 was performed in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and eLibrary databases; systematic reviews, AAPD and WHO clinical guidelines, and national protocols were included.

Results. The most effective methods were: use of fluoridated toothpaste ≥1000 ppm in a “rice-grain” amount from eruption of the first tooth, professional 5% sodium fluoride varnish applications every 3–6 months, restriction of free sugars to <10% of energy intake, and the first dental visit before 12 months of age. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF 38%) demonstrated up to 81% caries arrest efficacy.

Conclusion. The contemporary strategy of ECC prevention is based on individualized risk assessment (CAMBRA, AAPD CAT) and a complex of medical, behavioral, hygienic, and pharmacological measures implemented from the antenatal period onwards.

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