Multiple infants lack dental care provisions

According to an analysis by AOK Nordost, the number of dental check-ups for young children in Berlin and Brandenburg has decreased, potentially leading to an increase in the need for dental procedures in the future. The analysis, based on the billing data of over 84,000 children aged 0 to 6, reveals a concerning trend of increased dental issues among young children.

In Brandenburg, about one in ten children aged 0 to 6 with treatable teeth received a crown last year. This figure is significantly higher in Berlin, where one in five children in the same age group received a crown. The analysis only covers children insured with AOK Nordost and may not represent the dental health situation of all children in Berlin and Brandenburg.

Crowns are most commonly used in children aged between three and five, particularly when the cavity is advanced, a tooth is severely damaged due to an accident, or there are diseases affecting the tooth enamel, such as mottled teeth.

The increase in the number of children getting crowns in both Berlin and Brandenburg is not directly explained in the search results. Possible contributing factors could include increased dental care access or awareness, changes in health insurance coverage, or rising dental health issues in young children. However, no specific confirmed reason was found in the provided data.

Despite the concerning trend, the analysis does offer a glimmer of hope. In Berlin, the percentage of six-year-old children who needed treatment for cavities decreased from 34% in 2019 to 29% in 2024. Similarly, in Brandenburg, the percentage of young children who needed treatment for cavities decreased from 27% in 2019 to 20% in 2024.

Tom Forbrich, head of contracts and products at AOK Nordost, emphasizes the importance of using the opportunity for these free check-ups to prevent unnecessary dental procedures for children. He advises that if pediatricians find out during routine checks that a child has never been to the dentist, they should specifically mention it to the parents.

Children can have six free dental check-ups by the age of 6. However, the analysis by AOK Nordost does not provide data on the number of dental procedures performed on these children in the past year, including the number of fillings.

The decrease in the number of dental check-ups for young children may lead to an increase in the need for dental procedures, including crowns, in the future. It is crucial for parents to ensure their children attend regular dental check-ups to maintain good oral health and prevent the need for more extensive dental procedures.