Children can go for regular dental check-ups from the age of six months up to their 18th birthday. Besides performing a thorough examination of your child's teeth, the dentist will give you age-appropriate advice on dental care and nutrition. Simply present the TK eHealth card at your dental practice.
More details
6 to 33 months
Children are entitled to three dental screenings between the 6th and the end of the 33rd month of life:
- from the 6th to the end of the 9th month
- from the 10th to the end of the 20th month
- from the 21st to the end of the 33rd month
There must be at least four months between check-ups.
The dentist will look inside the child's mouth and assess the risk of caries. The parent and child will receive information about proper nutrition and oral hygiene. A suitable fluoride treatment may be prescribed.
The dentist can also apply a fluoride varnish twice per calendar half-year to harden the tooth enamel.
34 months to 6 years
Your child can undergo another three screening examinations between their 34th month of life and their sixth birthday:
- from 34 months to 3 years (U7a)
- from 46 months to 4 years (U8)
- from 5 years to 6 years (U9)
There must be at least twelve months between check-ups.
During these examinations, your child's mouth will be checked thoroughly again for diseases of the teeth, mouth or jaw and their risk of caries will be assessed. Parents and children will be given advice on how to keep their teeth healthy with the right diet and oral hygiene. If necessary, the dentist will recommend fluoride products or fluoride tablets to harden the tooth enamel.
Besides performing a check-up, the dentist may apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth as an enamel hardener.
6 to 17 years
From the age of six until they reach their 18th birthday, children and adolescents can have their jaws, mouth and teeth examined by a dentist once per calendar half-year by simply presenting the TK eHealth card. There must be at least four months between check-ups.
What to expect at each dental check-up:
- The dentist will check oral hygiene, e.g. to find out whether the teeth are coated with plaque or tartar.
- They will examine whether the gums are healthy and give advice on how to keep the teeth in good condition with the right diet and dental care.
- If this is medically necessary and expedient, the dentist will cover back teeth not affected by caries, i.e. molars six and seven, with a thin layer of plastic. This so-called fissure sealant gives the teeth additional protection from caries.
Fluoride treatment
Dentists often recommend substances that contain fluoride, e.g. fluoride toothpaste or tablets. Fluoride is an important mineral that strengthens the tooth enamel and helps prevent caries.
If there is a high risk of caries, the dentist can also treat your child's teeth with a fluoride varnish twice per calendar half-year. This service is provided in addition to the dental check-ups until the child reaches their 18th birthday.
Dental bonus booklet for children
Your child will receive a bonus booklet from the dentist when they reach the age of twelve. This will be used to record their half-yearly dental check-ups.
Please remember that you must present the bonus booklet at your dental practice without being asked to do so.
This pays off in the end! People who have had regular dental check-ups receive a higher cost contribution if they need tooth replacements such as crowns or bridges later on.