The likelihood of caries in children and adolescents in many European places has been declining for some years. This has been attributed mainly to the use of fluoride, primarily in toothpastes, and also improved oral hygiene. In the same period the diet, including consumption of other carbohydrates and sugars has remained constant. When cavities are controlled by fluoride along with regular dental treatments (in almost all European countries), moderate consumption of sugars is not a major risk factor except in those with high risk of decay or not using toothpaste with fluoride.