This study aimed to investigate the relationship between protein-energy malnutrition and early childhood caries. For this communication, a review of the literature was performed, based on documental analysis of bibliographic searches, surveys of scientific journals and books. Early childhood caries was found to be highly prevalent in low income communities, where malnutrition is a common factor of great relevance. Studies have shown that malnourished children have a tendency to develop structural enamel defects, which predisposes towards a higher risk of experiencing dental caries. Therefore, protein-energy malnutrition during tooth development (odontogenesis) is associated with increased caries susceptibility, delayed eruption and structural enamel defects (enamel hypoplasia). In conclusion, the studies suggest that protein-energy malnutrition during odontogenesis leads to delayed eruption and structural enamel defects (hypoplasia), in addition to possibly affecting the salivary glands, increasing the risk for dental caries. Studies investigating associations between malnutrition and caries in early childhood are of great relevance to expand the knowledge on this illness and the development of health-promoting and preventive activities for this public health problem, with a vast repercussion in the fields of nutrition and dentistry.
Malnutrition; Dental caries; Child; Odontogenesis