Prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) among children, Canada, 2009/2010

Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from Health Canada. 2010. The Report on the Findings of the Oral Health Component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. 2007-2009. http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2010/sc-hc/H34-221-2010-eng.pdf -accessed July 30, 2017.

According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey, 46.6% of Canadian six year olds had early childhood caries (ECC) in 2009/10. This means many Canadian children have one or more decayed, missing, or filled primary teeth.

ECC is one of the most common childhood diseases and rehabilitative dental surgery for severe forms of ECC is the most common day surgery procedure among Canadian preschool children.^1,2,3

¹Schroth RJ, Harrison RL, Moffatt ME. Providing timely dental treatment for young children under general anaesthesia is a government priority. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association 2007:73(3):241-3.
²Canadian Dental Association. Report of early childhood caries. 2010. https://www.cda-adc.ca/_files/position_statements/earlyChildhoodCaries.pdf-accessed July 30, 2017.
³Canadian Institute for Health Information. Treatment of preventable dental cavities in preschoolers: A focus on day surgery under general anesthesia. 2013. https://secure.cihi.ca/free_products/Dental_Caries_Report_en_web.pdf-accessed July 24, 2017.

Implications

When children’s primary teeth decay it is very serious. As a result, children can experience pain and problems eating and sleeping. In addition, dental caries in primary teeth can result in problems with speech. All of this can affect a child’s self-esteem, and their development and ability to function can be affected. ECC is considered a preventable illness, therefore access to comprehensive dental service, early identification of risk factors, and appropriate intervention is important.⁴

⁴Canadian Institute for Health Information. Treatment of preventable dental cavities in preschoolers: A focus on day surgery under general anesthesia. 2013. https://secure.cihi.ca/free_products/Dental_Caries_Report_en_web.pdf -accessed July 30, 2017.