More than 70 per cent of children in Croatia have dental caries, while the oral health of 12-year-olds has improved in recent years, according to data from the national programme published on the occasion of Oral Health Month.
The key indicator for the 12-year-old group is the DMFT index, which represents the average number of decayed, filled and extracted permanent teeth. This index has fallen from 3.21 in 2016 to 2.43 in 2023, with the Ministry of Health stating that the decline indicates an improvement in oral health. At the same time, the high prevalence among preschool children highlights the need for continued preventive measures, the ministry warns.
Possible reasons for the improvement cited by the Ministry of Health include greater access to preventive dental services, better education on oral hygiene, and greater awareness of the importance of regular check-ups. The national programme for the protection of oral health covers the period from 2025 to 2027 and is specifically focused on the prevention and early detection of oral diseases in children and young people. Among the measures are the 'Tooth Passport' programme, supervised tooth brushing in kindergartens and schools, and the prevention of dental trauma. The programme also covers the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases, the protection of the oral health of older people and people with disabilities, and the early detection of oral cancer.
Oral diseases are among the most widespread health problems worldwide, with dental caries remaining the most common. According to the latest guidelines from the World Health Organization published in March 2026, caries is the most common non-communicable disease in the world and affects around 2.7 billion people. The WHO warns that the condition often begins in early childhood and that it disproportionately affects populations with limited access to healthcare. Oral diseases can largely be prevented, with the main risk factors being frequent consumption of free sugars and inadequate oral hygiene.
Oral Health Month is observed in Croatia from 12 September to 12 October on the initiative of the Croatian Chamber of Dental Medicine, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of preventing and preserving oral health. On Saturday, dental students and dental professionals will provide advice on proper oral hygiene and tooth brushing to the public at the Cvjetni Trg in Zagreb, distributing educational materials. Short, free preventive check-ups are available for the youngest children, with the event organised by the Croatian Chamber of Dental Medicine.
