Insurance providers are adopting a stern approach towards parents, as cases of dental issues and developmental concerns in children are escalating significantly

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in Germany, with an increase in the number of children experiencing delays in language and motor skills, as well as a rise in dental issues among young children.

According to Alfred Kindshofer, the regional manager of Barmer in Bavaria, these delays can have significant negative consequences, including difficulties with reading and writing, and tensions in social relationships. Well-developed motor skills, he emphasizes, are crucial for school and daily life.

One contributing factor to these delays is the increasing lack of physical activity among young people. This, in turn, is linked to the rise in motor skill delays.

Meanwhile, in the realm of dental health, almost every third six-year-old child has been treated for cavities. The decline in dental visits among young children (aged 0 to 6) is a significant concern. Mandatory tooth brushing in all childcare facilities is recommended as an important step by Juliane Venohr, head of the regional office at AOK Nordost.

Nowadays, teeth are treated faster and more consistently compared to the past. Children can receive up to six free dental check-ups before the age of 6. If parents utilize these free check-ups, unnecessary interventions can be avoided for their child later on.

The increasing treatment of children with crowns is considered a kind of treatment progress by insurers, such as Barmer health insurance, which has reported an increase in children developing language and motor skill delays.

The factors influencing this rise in delays are complex. They include a high demand for early childhood care despite declining birth rates, gaps between childcare availability and parental needs, and the significant impact of parental mental illness or addiction affecting around 3.8 million children in Germany annually. Investments are being made to expand and modernize early childhood education to improve developmental outcomes.

Tom Forbrich, head of contracts and products at AOK Nordost, emphasizes the importance of early preventive dental measures. He notes that these measures can help avoid interventions later on. For example, cavities in young children can be advanced, causing severe tooth damage or diseases of the tooth enamel.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to encourage their children to engage in a variety of gross and fine motor activities from an early age. This, according to Kindshofer, can help foster the development of these essential skills.

In Berlin, only 44% of parents take their young children for dental check-ups, while in Brandenburg, the figure is 42%. This low rate of dental visits is a cause for concern, as early prevention and intervention can make a significant difference in a child's overall health and development.