Early Childhood Caries (ECC): A Wicked Problem?
In public health, wicked problems are described as complex health issues with multiple or undefined causes and global implications. The challenge with wicked problems includes their disputed definition, framing from stakeholders with different beliefs and values, the need for collective global action and the lack of basic local response.
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is defined as one or more decayed, missing or filled primary teeth in children less than 6 years old. Untreated ECC can result in pain, infection and facial swelling. It causes feeding/eating difficulties, disturb sleep, adversely affects speech, self-esteem, and growth and development. The global prevalence of ECC is around 514 million and is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Poor oral health in children is a strong predictor of oral health in adults, and poor oral health in adults is linked to poor nutrition and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
This presentation will explore ECC as a wicked problem and major public health issue, and how social determinants of health such as societal structures and government policies contribute to its development and progression. The role of the paediatric dentist in primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary prevention strategies will also be discussed. The aim of the presentation is to provide the oral health professional with a broad range of tools to advocate for their patients and communities in the prevention of Early Childhood Caries.
