Regional Disparities in the Prevalence of Probing Depths and Tooth Loss in Germany—Results From the German National Cohort ( NAKO )

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Abstract
Aim: To evaluate regional disparities in the prevalence, severity and extent of probing depths (PDs) as well as tooth loss in German adults aged 19–74, using data from the baseline study of the German National Cohort (NAKO; 2014–2019). Methods: Dental examinations were recorded at two levels: Level 1 (18/18 centres; N = 184,871; tooth counts including third molars and dental interview) and Level 2 (8/18 centres, not geographically representative; N = 18,389; recording of PDs). We evaluated differences by sex, age and study region. All data were survey‐weighted. For individuals aged 65–74, we supplemented tooth loss data from the Fifth German Oral Health Study and the Study of Health in Pomerania. Results: Among Level 1 participants, the prevalence of edentulism was 1.7% (95% confidence interval: 1.6–1.9). The average mean PD was 1.89 mm (1.87–1.91). Both edentulism and PDs increased with increasing age. There were clear regional disparities, with the lowest prevalence of both in Augsburg/Regensburg in the south (1.3% and 1.64 mm) and the highest in Neubrandenburg in the north‐east (2.3% and 2.31 mm). Conclusion: Clear regional disparities emerged. In light of demographic changes, these results highlight the importance of incorporating region‐specific oral health burdens into future healthcare planning and treatment concepts.
Funding Information
  • Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (01ER1301A/B/C)
  • Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (01ER1511D)
  • Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (01ER1801A/B/C/D)
  • Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (01ER2301A/B/C)
  • Helmholtz Association

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