ABSTRACT Dental caries is the second most common disease. In 1950s it reached its peak in children and young adults. Cariology science, has solved many mysteries but dental caries still remains a misunderstood phenomenon by the clinicians. This article describes about the etiological factor, pathogenesis ,microbes causing dental caries and recent advances in prevention. Some of these, such as vaccines and antimicrobial varnishes, are still in the research stages, while others, such as sucrose substitutes, low-calorie sweeteners, and sugar alternates.