Two studies on caries experience and oral health status in 12-year-old-children were conducted in a five year period (1993 – 1998). The examination was completed by analysing the urinary fluoride excretion of the examined c hildren. The DMFT was recorded. The F-selective electrode was used for the analysis of the urinary fluoride concentration. The percentage of caries-free children decreased between 1993 – 1998. Caries experience rose in most of the localities. The highest caries experience expressed by DMFT was found in Tábor where it reached 5 per person. The urinary fluoride excretion ranged from the lowest level, found in Strakonice (0.478 mg/l), to the highest which was in Ostrava (0.660 mg/l) in 1998. F-concentrations in all other localities were between these extremes (both in 1993 and 1998). Oral health and fluoride exposure from the environment varied considerably which implies the necessity to implement individual precautions in oral care and prevention at a local level.

        Key words: caries experience, oral health status, urinary fluoride excretion, fluoride exposure