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German report shows the frequency of dental check-ups has increased

In a recent study, researchers in Germany have found, since a previous 2003-2006 report, the frequency of dental check-ups has increased. (Photograph: Pressmaster/Shutterstock)

Fri. 28. December 2018

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BERLIN, Germany: In a new study, researchers from the Robert Koch Institut (RKI) have examined, among other subjects, the prevalence, determinants and trends of tooth brushing frequency and utilisation of dental check-ups in children and adolescents in Germany. The reports are based on the data collected from the second wave of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Wave 2, 2014-2017).

According to the study, around 80 per cent of children and adolescents meet the recommended tooth brushing frequency and dental check-ups. However, around one-fifth of children and adolescents do not, with 14- to 17-year-old adolescents, as well as those with low socio-economic status and or migrant backgrounds being particularly at risk.

Additionally, the results also showed that the utilisation of dental check-ups has increased compared to the KiGGS baseline study in 2003-2006. However, with more work still to be done, the researchers noted that effective caries prevention requires interdisciplinary cooperation between dentistry, paediatrics and other medical disciplines. Emphasising that target group appropriate measures, such as for children and adolescents with low social status and or migrant backgrounds have delivered promising results.

The KiGGS is the only comprehensive study on the health of children and adolescents in Germany and an important database for evidence-based policy decisions. KiGGS Wave 2 was carried out between 2014 and 2017. As well as oral health, the study also focused on the utilisation of physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy and the association between the utilisation of medical services and social status.

The report, titled “Utilization of medical services by children and adolescents in Germany”, was published on 4 December in the Robert Koch Institut’s Journal of Health Monitoring.

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