Germany's Child Dental Health Gaps Prompt New Preventive Measures

More than half of German children aged eight and nine are caries‑free, but the disease is highly skewed: 40 % of the eight‑ and nine‑year‑olds carry the entire caries burden, averaging 3.5 affected teeth, while 20 % of twelve‑year‑olds are classified as high‑risk.

Studies link this polarization to socioeconomic disadvantage, lower health literacy, poorer nutrition and reduced use of preventive services. Dr. Reinhard Schilke, senior dentist at the Hannover Medical School, warned, “Oral health has improved enormously overall. At the same time there are children who develop a high caries burden early. We must not lose sight of this group.” He added that prevention must start in early childhood.

In response, Berlin has made daily tooth‑brushing in daycare centres a legal requirement from the end of 2025 and converted dental check‑ups for children to an opt‑out system, aiming to reach every child regardless of background.