The examination of the nutritional level of the population living in French Polynesia revealed that at the present time food availability, food consumptions and nutritional status are, generally speaking, satisfactory. However, significant demographic, social and economic changes are rapidly taking place, which are likely to lead to a deterioration of the nutritional status of the population in the near future. The main reasons for this are the high demographic pressure, the decline in the traditional economic resources and the shift in Polynesian food habits toward western standards. Dental caries is one of the main local problems; its etiology is discussed. There is a need to develop a sound program of nutritional education.