Oral health trends in children Results from the epidemiological surveys accompanying group prophylaxis in Germany

摘要

To describe the current epidemiological trends in the dental caries experiences of children in Germany, oral health data was primarily presented on the basis of the Epidemiological Studies Accompanying Group Prophylaxis (DAJ study) for the 2015/16 schoolyear. Caries data of 301,684 children from three different age groups were available. The trends in caries development were based on previous national and regional studies conducted in Germany. Caries in the primary dentition occur very early (approx. 10-17% of 3-year-olds) and are still widespread among 6- to 7-year-olds (approx. 40-60%). The proportion of unrestored decayed primary teeth is very high (3-year-olds: 73.9%; 6 to 7-year-olds: 42.5%). There has also been no significant improvement among 6- to 7-year-olds in the last 10 years. The values for the 3-year-olds that were nationally examined for the first time in the DAJ study are in the range of previous regional studies from recent decades. Caries prevalence among the 6- to 7-year-olds shows a regional convergence. Among the 12-year-olds, mean caries experience in the permanent dentition has fallen by about 80% in the last 20 years. Regarding oral health in this age group, Germany ranks highest among countries worldwide. There is still a substantial need for oral health improvement in the primary dentition of children in Germany. Recently implemented preventive measures already focus on tackling this problem. Further improvements in caries prevention similar to those in the permanent dentition are feasible and expected.