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.