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Caries in infants is increasing more and more
Even in infancy, according to experts, dental care would need more attention. Although the milk teeth fall out sometime, but tooth decay should be taken seriously even among the under-three-year-olds. A problem is a lack of visits to the dentist.
Professionals sound the alarm
Health experts are concerned about the lack of visits by toddlers to the dentist. Dietmar Oesterreich, vice-president of the Federal Chamber of Dentists, warned on the day of dental health that hardly any education about diet and oral hygiene could take place until the age of three. According to a message from dpa news agency, he said, "We've found that in this phase of life, the child literally falls into the well and the deciduous teeth are already carious." Even milk teeth need a lot of care, experts say. According to the information, about 15 percent of the under-three-year-olds in Germany have tooth decay.
Caries: More and more children affected. Image: annadanilkova22 - fotolia Only a few infants come for screening
According to the Central Association of Statutory Health Insurance (GKV), on average, only every third child under the age of six is undergoing early detection examinations. It was also frightening, "that the daily tooth brushing in many day care centers has been set," said the deputy GKV CEO Johann-Magnus von Stackelberg. This was particularly dangerous for children, in their parents' home is neglected. For 25 years, medical professionals have been drawing attention to the importance of oral hygiene with the Day of Dental Health. In recent years, unfortunately, they had to report that more and more toddlers suffer from tooth decay.
Treatment of young children more complicated
Austria emphasized: "Early childhood tooth decay is even a growing problem, contrary to the general decay of caries." In the case of deeper destruction, anesthesia is often necessary. At this age, the treatment of dental problems is not only painful, but also more complicated than in adults. According to the expert, parents with breakthrough on the first tooth of their child should come to the practice regularly for advice. Other experts have also pointed out in the past that parents should check their children's dental care until the end of elementary school, as the little ones often find it difficult to get everything right.
Progress over the past decades
However, it does not look bleak in any dentition: while in the 1980s, according to the Federal Dental Association twelve-year-olds, for example, had almost seven carious teeth, made last on average, only less than a tooth problems. Much has been achieved in the past two and a half decades. This has to do with a rethink. "25 years ago, health care and dental care were primarily geared to repair, prophylaxis played a minor role," said Austria in a press release. Today, over 80 percent of Germans brush their teeth twice a day - at least according to their own statements.