[The prevalence of deciduous dental caries in 16 communities of the Canton of Zurich in 1964 to 1988].

Caries prevalence in 16 communities of the Canton of Zurich decreased in the primary dentition by more than 70% from 1964 to 1988. This corresponds to the decrease in the permanent dentition during the same period. There was no increase of the caries prevalence in primary incisors (nursing bottle caries) detectable in the eighties. The caries prevalence in the city of Zurich was similar to that in the 16 rural communities. In other European countries, caries prevalence was higher in the eighties.