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BackgroundCaries (dental decay) is a disease of the hard tissues of the teeth caused by an imbalance, over time, in the interactions between cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque and fermentable carbohydrates (mainly sugars). The use of fluoride toothpaste is the primary intervention for the prevention of caries. ObjectivesTo determine the relative effectiveness of fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations in preventing dental caries in children and adolescents, and to examine the potentially modifying effects of baseline caries level and supervised toothbrushing. Search methodsA search was undertaken on Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and several other databases. Reference lists of articles were also searched.Date of the most recent searches: 8 June 2009. Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials and cluster-randomised controlled trials comparing fluoride toothpaste with placebo or fluoride toothpaste of a different concentration in children up to 16 years of age with a follow-up period of at least 1 year. The primary outcome was caries increment in the permanent or deciduous dentition as measured by the change in decayed, (missing), filled tooth surfaces (D(M)FS/ d(m)fs) from baseline. Data collection and analysisInclusion of studies, data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken independently and in duplicate by two members of the review team. Disagreements were resolved by discussion and consensus or by a third party. The primary effect measure was the prevented fraction (PF), the caries increment of the control group minus the caries increment of the treatment group, expressed as a proportion 1 Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (Review)