# Oral health trends in Croatia and Slovenia > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/oral-health-trends-in-croatia-and-slovenia > Updated: 2026-10-18T02:55:11.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Recent data from Croatia and Slovenia highlight varying trends and challenges in regional oral health. In Croatia, reports indicate that over 70 percent of preschool children suffer from dental caries. While the KEP index for twelve-year-olds has improved from 3.21 in 2016 to 2.43 in 2023 due to better preventive services and hygiene education, the situation for younger children remains critical. To combat this, Croatia plans a National Oral Health Protection Preventive Program for 2025–2027, featuring initiatives like the ‘Dental Passport’ and supervised brushing in schools. In Slovenia, statistics show that 38 percent of residents aged 16 and older did not visit a dentist in the twelve months prior to a 2025 survey. Health experts emphasize that regular check-ups are vital for identifying caries, gum disease, and early signs of oral or pharyngeal cancer. General recommendations for maintaining oral hygiene include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using interdental cleaners, and limiting sugar intake. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Oral health trends and dental care recommendations Health experts and Slovenian statistics highlight the importance of dental hygiene, noting that 38% of Slovenians skipped dentist visits in 2025 and warning against improper chewing gum habits. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oral-health-trends-and-dental-care-recommendations ### 2026-09-26: Croatia reports high dental caries rates in preschool children Over 70 percent of preschool children in Croatia have dental caries, though oral health among twelve-year-olds has improved significantly since 2016. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-reports-high-dental-caries-rates-in-preschool-children --- Cite as: Oral health trends in Croatia and Slovenia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/oral-health-trends-in-croatia-and-slovenia