Comprehensive approach to the management and prevention of early childhood caries.

Dental caries is the most common disease of childhood that does not resolve spontaneously or respond to a course of antibiotic therapy. Tragically, children in Hawaii experience the highest incidence of tooth decay in the United States. This manuscript briefly explains the etiology of Early Childhood Caries (ECC), describes the consequences of this insidious disease process and outlines a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, preventive approach for Hawaii's health care providers.