Greifswald dentist wins prize for caries prevention in children!

Greifswald dentist wins prize for caries prevention in children!

There is reason to be happy in the heart of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Prof. Christian Splieth from the Greifswald University Medical Center was awarded the renowned “Wrigley Prophylaxis Prize”. This award is not only a personal success for Splieth, but above all recognizes the impressive 20 years of work of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Working Group for Youth Dental Care, which he initiated together with his team. This initiative has made a significant contribution to reducing tooth decay among children in the region.

How did this success come about? In 2003, the “Healthy Teeth from the Start” program was launched to reduce the alarmingly high number of caries among children in daycare centers and daycare centers. Significant progress has been achieved through a combination of good cooperation with care facilities, the use of toothpaste containing fluoride, the financing of an additional prophylaxis specialist per district and continuous measurement of success. In fact, around 88 percent of children in kindergartens can now demonstrate daily dental care with fluoride toothpaste.

Challenges remain

However, a study shows that less than half of children under the age of six go to the dentist regularly. It is also worrying that almost one in five children examined in this age group had to be treated for tooth decay. In addition, according to individual estimates, around 20 percent of all children in Germany suffer from a tooth enamel defect. It is important to remain active and strengthen preventive measures.

The jury of the Wrigley Prophylaxis Prize not only recognized the quantitative successes, but also the fact that the success measurement for which Prof. Splieth is responsible represents an important basis for the complementary programs. The prize is endowed with 3,000 euros and is intended to provide further motivation to sustainably improve the dental hygiene of young people in the region.

The importance of prevention

The award underlines the importance of prevention and early education about dental health. At a time when more and more children are affected by dental disease, the “Healthy Teeth from the Start” program is a prime example of how effective measures can bring about change. To further improve dental care, the support of the entire community is needed.

At the same time, there are tools in many areas of everyday life that help to increase efficiency. Whether cooking, exercising or studying – a simple one 1 minute timer can help manage time effectively and take short breaks. This not only promotes concentration, but also ensures better execution of time-critical tasks.

In summary, it shows that through targeted prevention and the commitment of professionals, such as that embodied by Prof. Splieth, significant progress can be made in children's dental health. A commitment that is not only rewarded, but should also raise the silent alarm for further health promotion measures in the children's sector.