According to RSU Stomatology Institute research reported by LETA, 71.9% of Latvian 12-year-olds have at least one deep caries lesion in permanent teeth—nearly three-quarters of this age group. The national average DMFT score stands at 2.5, more than double the European average of 1.1, while caries signs appear in 98.5% of children. Lead researcher Sergio Uribe stresses the enormous untapped potential for prevention: caries is largely avoidable by limiting sugar intake, establishing good oral hygiene routines, using fluoride toothpaste, and scheduling regular dental check-ups—actions that would protect lifelong health and ease the long-term burden on Latvia’s healthcare system. (LETA, March 2026)