About 90% of the populations of North and Central Europe and North America suffer from dental caries. A change of nutrition and intensive oral hygiene would make it possible to limit the attack of caries decisively. All measures which have been directed to this end have so far failed. It must be noted that our population will apparently not be re-educated in the foreseeable future. However, since it is entitled to the exhaustion of all possibilities for the preservation of health, the increased use of fluorides for caries prevention is to be encouraged. Until the introduction of fluoridated drinking water the administration of fluoride tablets, especially in kindergartens and schools, should be promoted to the fullest extent. Alternatively it should be considered how far fluoridation of salt would be possible. Furthermore the local use of fluorides for caries prophylaxis to the fullest extent should be recommended.