Not So Cavities: Oral Health in Germany on the Improve
Germans are exhibiting a decreasing likelihood of tooth decay incidences.
Hear it, share it, chat it, email it, print it, copy the link! The current German Oral Health Study shows promising results - the number of people suffering from cavities is on the decline, especially among children, by a whopping 90%! However, another dental disease continues to trouble 14 million Germans.
According to Rainer Jordan, the scientific director of the Institute of German Dentists (IDZ), Deutschland is doing well in the fight against cavities, stating during the presentation of the Sixth German Oral Health Study in Berlin that "Successful prevention is the best protection to bite strong in the future."
As it turns out, long-term prophylaxis has paid offsignificantly, particularly among adults aged 35 to 44, with a mere half as much caries compared to 1989, and a significant decrease in the number of missing teeth. So, it seems that toothlessness is no longer a significant concern for this age group. In fact, seven percent of those surveyed are completely caries-free, and an impressive 26 out of 28 teeth remain functional.
The German Oral Health Studies have been monitoring the state of dental care in Germany for over 30 years, covering caries, periodontal diseases, malocclusions, and social factors. In this latest study, the IDZ surveyed and examined around 3400 people of various ages and social backgrounds on behalf of the Federal Dental Chamber (BZÄK) and the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) from 2021 to 2023.
While the study indicates progress in reducing cavities, periodontal diseases continue to pose a considerable threat. The results show that "periodontitis remains a common disease and a significant contributor to the development of cardiovascular diseases." Approximately 14 million people are estimated to be suffering from severe periodontal disease.
Gum Disease vs. Cardiovascular Health
Untreated or delayed treatment of periodontitis threatens both oral and general health. People with cardiovascular disease tend to have more advanced periodontitis, are more likely to be toothless, and have an average of two fewer teeth compared to others.
The study also revealed a high prevalence of so-called "chalky teeth," or Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization, in children. About one in seven 12-year-olds are affected, which presents as white-yellowish or yellow-brown discolorations on the chewing surfaces or cusps. In severe cases, the enamel can chip off, resulting in extreme sensitivity to temperature extremes and brushing. The causes remain unclear, with experts speculating about factors such as antibiotic usage, infectious diseases, or plastics containing plasticizers.
Periodontal disease is a complex inflammatory condition that requires ongoing management, even with advances in other oral health realms. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a promising new technique for preventing periodontal issues. As we move forward, it's essential to prioritize dental care, including regular check-ups, early detection examinations for young children, and individual prophylaxis, to ensure optimal oral and overall health for all.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6248856/[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333496042_A_systematic_analysis_of_non-surgical_treatment_options_for_chronic_periodontitis[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6344776/[4] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/joim.12852
- In light of the Germans' declining cavity rate, particularly among children, it might be beneficial for community policies to focus more on vocational training in the dental field to cope with the increasing demand for dental professionals.
- The increasing importance of prevention in oral health care, as demonstrated by the success of long-term prophylaxis against cavities, could extend to measures aimed at stemming migration due to dental diseases, such as severe periodontal disease.
- Given the correlation between periodontal diseases and average tooth count in individuals with cardiovascular disease, as revealed in the German Oral Health Study, more research could be dedicated to understanding the link between dental health and average migration patterns to maintain optimal health for all.
