This review paper looks at the effects of diet on oral health and is concerned mainly with the effects of localised attacks on the dental hard tissues. In analysing the epidemiological evidence, the paper draws distinctions between the rates of diseases entities in developed and developing countries. The author concludes that oral health risks do not necessitate dietary recommendations in addition to, or other than, those required for maintenance of general health. The paper indicates an increasing need for evidence-based, individual tailor-made counselling and for specific programmes directed towards defined, high-risk groups or populations whose oral health problems have been carefully studied and identified.