Preventive dentistry in Germany has proven effective, leading to a significant decline in caries across all age groups, particularly in children, where rates have dropped by 90%. The study highlights that tooth loss among seniors is minimal, with only 5% of those aged 65 to 74 being toothless. While improved oral health has resulted in reduced healthcare costs, periodontitis remains a concern, affecting millions. Additionally, the rise of chalky teeth, a developmental disorder, affects 15.3% of twelve-year-olds.
Dental Prevention Proves Effective – Insights from the German Oral Health Study
The German Oral Health Study reveals a powerful message: preventive dentistry truly works. Over the years, the incidence of caries has significantly declined across all age groups, leading to both improved health outcomes and cost savings.
For years, the importance of preventive measures in dental care has been highlighted, and the results are now evident. During the presentation of the Sixth German Oral Health Study in Berlin, Rainer Jordan, the Scientific Director of the Institute of German Dentists (IDZ), stated that Germany is in an excellent position in the battle against caries.
For instance, the rate of caries among younger adults aged 35 to 44 has halved since 1989. Furthermore, the preservation of natural teeth has become more common, with Jordan noting that ‘toothlessness is practically no longer observed in this age group.’
As of today, the use of amalgam as a dental filling material has been banned.
Declining Caries Rates in Children and Improved Oral Health in Seniors
The decline in caries is even more pronounced in children. Since the implementation of group and individual prophylaxis in the late 1990s, caries rates have plummeted by 90 percent. According to the study, 78 percent of twelve-year-olds are now caries-free. Although certain risk factors, such as low family educational levels or migration backgrounds, may increase caries susceptibility, the data shows that children from disadvantaged educational backgrounds have greatly benefited from preventive efforts over the years.
Among younger seniors, the number of individuals who have lost all their teeth has also decreased. Only five percent of those aged 65 to 74 are now toothless—a figure that ranks among the best in the world. The authors of the study attribute this success to a shift towards tooth-preserving treatments.
The overall improvement in dental health can largely be credited to the population’s proactive engagement with preventive services, including personal prophylaxis and routine dental check-ups.
Cost Savings Linked to Improved Oral Health
This focus on prevention has led to a notable reduction in healthcare costs. ‘This not only enhances oral health for millions in Germany but has also decreased the financial burden on statutory health insurance for dental services by over 30 percent in recent years,’ explained Martin Hendges, Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KZBV).
Many individuals now incorporate mouthwash into their daily dental care routines.
Addressing Periodontitis – A Common Concern
Despite these positive trends, the study indicates that there is still room for improvement concerning periodontitis—an inflammatory condition affecting the structures supporting teeth, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated. The findings highlight that ‘periodontitis remains a prevalent issue and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.’
Approximately 14 million people in Germany are believed to suffer from severe periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontitis poses risks not only to oral health but to overall well-being. Those with cardiovascular conditions often experience more severe forms of periodontitis and tend to have fewer teeth on average.
Globally, one in seven children is now reported to have chalky teeth, which appear spotted, porous, and susceptible to caries.
The Rise of Chalky Teeth
The study also identified a concerning prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), commonly referred to as chalky teeth. Among twelve-year-olds, around 15.3 percent are affected to varying degrees.
This condition is not influenced by personal oral hygiene practices but is a developmental disorder that occurs before birth or during the first six months of life. It is typically recognized by white-yellowish or yellow-brown discolorations on the chewing surfaces or cusps of teeth.
This topic was reported by Deutschlandfunk on March 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the news.