"Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease among Mongolian children," said Mongolian Health Minister Davaajantsan Sarangerel at the launching ceremony of the program.

The "Healthy Teeth and Healthy Children" program is aimed at developing good oral hygiene and health habits, as well as helping avoid tooth decay and periodontal disease by providing regular dental check-ups and treatment, said Sarangerel.

In the first phase of the five-year program, more than 200 selected dental clinics across the country will provide children aged 2-6 with dental check-ups and treatment free of charge, the health minister said.

The government will allocate money to implement the program, which will cover a total of 725,000 children aged between 2-12 across the country, she added.

Government data show 80-90 percent of children aged 2-12 suffer from dental decay, which has compelled the government to start the program. Enditem