According to a report from 2008, 85.5% of all 6-year old children in Poland suffer from dental caries, having on average ca. five teeth affected (average for Western Europe - one tooth). In addition only 15% of the teeth affected by dental caries are treated, while the corresponding rate for Western Europe is 80%. Additionally the comparison to the WHO objectives for oral health hygiene presents a dramatically poor condition of the oral health of Polish children. Finally, there are considerable discrepancies between the regions in Poland itself – the percentage of children with primary teeth free from caries is ranging from 6% in the Dolnośląskie voivodship to 27.5% in the Opolskie voivodship.

The overall goal is to reduce prevalence and incidence of dental caries in children aged 0-5. The specific objectives are: (i): promotion of appropriate oral hygiene practices and rules of using fluoride-containing products (toothpastes); (ii): promotion of good dietary habits and food texture awareness; (iii): counteracting harmful oral hygiene and dietary habits and practices

Children aged 0-5, their parents and teachers, paediatricians, midwives and nurses, general public

Trainings of paediatricians, nurses, midwives, teachers are going to be organised. 300’000 toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes among children aged 3-5 are going to be distributed. In addition, the preparation of promotional and informational materials seeks to support core activities in order to increase the awareness of population. 30-seconds TV spot promoting the project and its objectives, nationwide press notices, articles in regional press, posters, leaflets and project website are planned.

Risultati raggiunti:  

• Awareness, understanding and acceptance of oral health care increased in target groups (131'559 children aged 3-5 received educational and preventive activities delivered by 7603 capacitated nursery staff and educators254'132 parents / carers supported by educational and promotional materials
  
• 3000 parents carers participated in trainings
• 33% increase of parents/carers  of children aged 0-2 covered by educational and preventive activities)
• 3'957 nurseries enrolled for oral health educational activites for small children
• 105'247 children supported by educators at nurseries and provided with toothbrush, toothpaste, information and education materials
• Project website with forum moderated by experts running  (674'116 hits), 31'462 informational and promotional posters distributed, 800 TV spots broadcasted
• 2 conferences promoting project results with 235 participant
  

Fase 1 01.04.2012 - 31.03.2017   (Completed)