[World changes in the occurrence of dental caries]

Aiming to draw the current world outlook of the caries-forming process, pertinent information was compiled from the World Health Organization and various other sources. Data from the different countries were grouped in five categories, depending on the average number of teeth affected. On the basis of compiled data and the experience of countries enjoying the highest levels of buccal health, a set of tactics are proposed toward diminishing the incidence of cavities in our country.