Children with chronic diseases are often at risk for poor dental health. Their manage-ment includes dietary therapies which aim to promote normal growth and development but which are often cariogenic. In some cases, the disease process itself may also predispose patients to dental health risk. The aim of this paper is to provide background information on dietary modifications in the treatment of chronic diseases of children, with special emphasis on those that are dentally relevant. The paper will illustrate how a compromise between diet for disease management and caries prevention may be achieved. Table 1 lists the most common chronic diseases and conditions of childhood that may impact upon dental health.