The Slovenian Clean Teeth and Healthy Nutrition campaign launched for the 25th time this year

“Three decades ago, Slovenian dentists assessed the status of oral hygiene and tooth decay in children, establishing that it was considerably poor. As a result of these findings, I thought in 1979 of organizing a Clean Teeth Contest, which we first introduced at the Kette Murn elementary school in Ljubljana. Four years later, the professional and organizational leadership of this prevention project, now implemented all over the country, was taken over by the Dental Section of the Slovenian Medical Association. In the school year 1983/1984, 34 elementary schools took part in the contest, and the number has increased to this year’s 683. After the 25 years of the campaign, almost 98 percent of all the Slovenian elementary schools are currently involved,” said Tatjana Leskošek Denišlič, the initiator of the Clean Teeth and Healthy Nutrition campaign, further adding that the average number of decayed teeth per child has risen from six and more to less than two since the campaign based on unannounced checkups of oral hygiene status was first launched. The percentage of 12-year-olds without cavities has risen from seven to forty. Through this extremely effective campaign, the Dental Section has been enhancing the importance of preventive measures aimed at improving children’s dental health. The success of the campaign has even been noticed outside Slovenia, and has been given international praise and recognition on several occasions.

“Lek is extremely proud to have been able to support this successful campaign for as long as a quarter of a century. Every year we follow its results with great joy and anticipation. We are pleased with the fact that the number of participating schools is on an increase and that the children’s awareness of the importance of proper, regular dental hygiene has been improving constantly. The habits learnt in childhood will continue into adulthood, and will be passed on to the next generation. And we all know that good oral hygiene is one of the key factors of a healthy life, and that poor, unhealthy teeth can cause a huge amount of problems and pain, “ said Marjan Novak, Lek Management Board member.

At Ilirija, the awareness of the importance of dental and oral health is also considerably high. Rok Habjan, Ilirija Management Board member, stressed the significance of preventive care. “By regularly using high-quality dental care products, such as the Biodent products, children can avoid unnecessary problems with their teeth and the resulting pain. Parents are paying great attention to the health of their children’s teeth, however, the impact and support from this campaign is more than welcome.”

Closing ceremony in the Tivoli Hall

At the closing ceremony, held on Thursday, 5 June 2008, in the Tivoli Hall in Ljubljana, more than 2000 children, participants of this year’s campaign from all over Slovenia, will gather to receive the awards. This year, the award for the best class will go to a class of 5th grade pupils of the Beltinci elementary school. The representatives of the Dental Section of the Slovenian Medical Association, representatives of the general sponsor, Lek Pharmaceuticals, a Sandoz company, and the company Ilirija will also present awards to the nine regional winners. This year these awards will be given to the following elementary schools: Žužemberk, 16th December Mojstrana, Negova, Livada, Branik, Artiče, Koroški jeklarji, Poljčane and ZUJL-OVI Jarše.

After the official part of the ceremony, the children will be entertained by the Hip Hooper acrobatic troupe and the Kingston band. The closing ceremony is yet another event in the series of events organized for the children. Every year, separate regional ceremonies are held to present symbolic awards to all the children participating in the contest, which provides them with additional motivation to take part in future contests.