[Changes and trends in the epidemiology of caries in Europe]

The extension of fluoride prevention in the Western-European countries changed basically the caries prevalence of the young population in these countries, which influenced also the conception of preventive care. In the Central-Eastern European countries, with a high prevalence of dental caries, countrywide-based national caries-preventive programs are necessary. Concerning the Western-European countries with a low caries prevalence, targeted programs for high-risk groups should be planned. In this respect the forecast of risk-groups with high caries activity gains an increased importance.