Recent data from the Hygiene Institute in Lithuania highlights a concerning statistic regarding the dental health of school-aged children. Specifically, only 23.9% of students aged 7-17 are reported to have healthy teeth, a stark contrast to the much higher percentage of 63.7% among younger children in the 0-6 age group. This disparity indicates the growing need for improved dental education and healthcare access for older children.

The report also emphasizes regional differences in dental health, with the municipalities of Palanga, Neringa, Elektrėnai, Vilnius city, and Marijampolė showing the highest percentages of students with healthy teeth. On the other hand, areas such as Pakruojis, Zarasai, Kupiškis, Šilalė, and Rietavas reported the lowest figures. These findings suggest that certain regions may be facing more significant challenges regarding children’s oral healthcare, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

In addition to overall dental health statistics, the report notes positive trends in dental hygiene practices among children. Over the past eight years, the proportion of children brushing their teeth twice or more times a day has increased from 55.6% in 2016 to 60.6% in 2024. Furthermore, preventive dental check-ups have also seen an increase, with 76.1% of children receiving check-ups last school year, marking a 1.7% rise from previous years. This growing awareness regarding oral health demonstrates progress, yet underscores the continuous need for educational efforts and accessibility in preventive dental care.