Expert consensus on early childhood caries management

The caries microbiome plays a critical role in the occurrence of ECC. Based on the etiological research of ECC, new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies may be developed for the better prevention and treatment of ECC. Maternal oral health and awareness of health care are directly related to the oral health of infants and young children. Oral health promotion, including education and healthcare services during pregnancy, is necessary to improve infants' and young children’s oral health. A dental home should be established at an early stage of childhood and an individualized caries management plan should be provided according to caries-risk assessment. Active measurements adhering to the concept of minimum intervention should be taken to treat dental caries.