Introduction: dental cavities are considered a public health problem by the World Health Organization (WHO), because they are the most prevalent oral pathologies. In Mexico, 90% of the population is affected and those between the ages of 0 and 15 are most at risk of contracting them. Methods: the analysis presents the results from review and analysis of different conceptual public health models in relation to cavities. The perspective is the scientific point of view of its etiology and how research work is carried out in this field according to the epidemiological model in order to explain it. Results: there are no publications that study this disease according to a different model. Here we find the health, preventive-hygienist and socio-medical models. Cultural factors and quality of life according to socioeconomic level affect development of a disease, along with a low level of awareness of preventive conduct by patients, professionals and healthcare institutions. Despite progress and its status as a technically avoidable disease, cavities advance rapidly among the population, which complicates their eradication, although their levels could be decreased. Conclusions: we must return to the Latin American social determination approach, which views health as a process that transcends mere causality; it does not only depend on health services, or on human biological characteristics, but is instead determined by lifestyles, modalities and conditions imposed by society.

Introduction: Research article by the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (imss), 2007, and the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Programas de Prevención para la Salud (prevenimss) (Mexican Social Security Institute and autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, Health Prevention Programs). Systemic diseases such as Renal Failure require comprehensive health care. That is why the oral cavity is also considered to be an important aspect of the health of patients and particularly in children. That is the focus of this study, to enable patients and their parents to have a better understanding of the culture and maintenance of oral health. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of an oral health education program for children patients with renal failure. Materials and methods: Two groups were submitted for consultation: 15 children who were renal patients as the experimental group and 15 patients as the control group, all of whom were beneficiaries at the Unidad Medica Familiar Nº 5 of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Soledad de Graciano Sánchez in San Luis de Potosí. Results: The program, which was implemented over a period of nearly one year, showed significant results in terms of prevention and good oral conditions. Patients changed their behavior, habits and attitudes in relation to oral hygiene, cavity prevention and visits to the dentist. Conclusion: Oral health programs as an integral part in the support of health for patients with systemic diseases can help to improve the oral health of the population.