[Therapeutic education and oral health, an opportunity for the child]

Abstract

Early childhood caries is an infectious disease of bacterial origin. It is mainly associated with social inequalities in oral health and affects children from the least privileged backgrounds. Because of its recurrent nature, it is the most common chronic disease in preschool children. Since it shares common risk factors with a number of other chronic conditions (diabetes, obesity), promoting global oral health is essential to achieving a favorable general health status.

Keywords: carie dentaire; child; dental caries; enfant; oral health; prevention; prévention; santé orale; therapeutic education; éducation thérapeutique.