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Each row is one question a systematic review asked: who, what, compared with what, and which outcome, with the effect it found and how certain that is. Words match anywhere in the field.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

78 questions in 8 reviews · intervention: Fluoride toothpaste/dentifrice · outcome domain: Caries increment (DMFS/DMFT)

current versions
No studies 0 · 0%Ungraded 25 · 32.1%Very low 3 · 3.8%Low 37 · 47.4%Moderate 9 · 11.5%High 4 · 5.1%

Ungraded means an effect was reported without a GRADE rating; it is not a gap. No studies means the review found nothing to answer the question. The six categories are a display order, not a score.

Intervention categories, outcome domains and clusters are a proposed key pending human validation. Clear all filters

QuestionEffectEvidenceStatus / GRADE
440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.18 [-0.41, 0.04]2 studiesLow
1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.14 [-0.24, -0.04]7 studiesLow
1450 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index d(m)ft · Young children with primary (deciduous) dentition (aged 1 to 6 years at study start) · Follow-up: 22 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
MD -0.4 [-1.14, 0.34]1 study · 172 participantsLow
1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste vs 440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.08 [-0.3, 0.15]1 studyLow
1450 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index d(m)fs · Young children with primary (deciduous) dentition (aged 1 to 6 years at study start) · Follow-up: 22 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
MD -1.2 [-2.92, 0.52]1 study · 172 participantsLow
1000 or 1100 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index DMFT · Adults with mature permanent dentition (aged 18 to 93 years at study start) · 24 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
MD -0.46 [-0.93, 0.01]1 study · 247 participantsLow
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.05 [-0.27, 0.17]NRVery low
1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste vs 1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.07 [-0.3, 0.15]1 studyVery low
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.12 [-0.2, -0.05]6 studiesLow
1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.39 [-0.49, -0.28]4 studiesModerate
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions
DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children aged 0-12 years in the United Kingdom · Country: United Kingdom
Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019)
OR 0.04 [0.00, 0.58]5 studiesUngraded
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.39 [-0.52, -0.25]2 studiesLow
1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.36 [-0.43, -0.29]4 studiesModerate
1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.33 [-0.56, -0.11]NRLow
250 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.15 [-0.25, -0.05]3 studiesLow
1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste vs 1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.13 [-0.23, -0.02]4 studiesLow
1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste vs 440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.2 [-0.45, 0.04]NRLow
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.09 [-0.2, 0.02]1 studyLow
1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste vs 1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD 0.04 [-0.07, 0.15]NRModerate
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD 0.0 [-0.16, 0.17]NRLow
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.28 [-0.48, -0.08]NRLow
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions
DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children aged 0-12 years in Ireland · Country: Ireland
Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019)
OR 0.52 [0.45, 0.61]1 studyUngraded
1055 to 1100 ppm F toothpaste vs 500 to 550 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index d(m)ft · Young children with primary (deciduous) dentition (aged 1 to 6 years at study start) · Follow-up: 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
MD -0.27 [-0.6, 0.06]1 study · 905 participantsLow
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions
DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children aged 0-12 years in Japan · Country: Japan
Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019)
OR 0.00 [0.00, 0.00]1 studyUngraded
1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.15 [-0.31, 0.0]3 studiesLow
1055 to 1100 ppm F toothpaste vs 500 to 550 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index d(m)fs · Young children with primary (deciduous) dentition (aged 1 to 6 years at study start) · Follow-up: 20 to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
MD -0.05 [-0.38, 0.28]2 studies · 1958 participantsModerate
1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.32 [-0.41, -0.22]NRLow
1500 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index d(m)fs · Young children with primary (deciduous) dentition (aged 1 to 6 years at study start) · Follow-up: 24 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
MD -1.86 [-2.51, -1.21]1 study · 998 participantsModerate
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.26 [-0.38, -0.14]NRLow
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions
Incremental cost-effectiveness per DMFT/S · Children younger than 6 years (healthy except for dental caries) · Age < 6 years
Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019)
OR 0.07 [0.02, 0.32]6 studiesUngraded
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions
DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children aged 0-12 years (studies published 2015 or later) · Published 2015 or later
Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019)
OR 0.08 [0.01, 0.53]4 studiesUngraded
440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.08 [-0.32, 0.17]1 studyLow
1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.17 [-0.3, -0.04]NRLow
1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.26 [-0.31, -0.21]41 studiesHigh
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.12 [-0.25, 0.01]3 studiesVery low
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.29 [-0.49, -0.08]NRLow
1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste vs 1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.08 [-0.14, -0.01]10 studiesModerate
1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.23 [-0.5, 0.05]NRLow
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.2 [-0.46, 0.05]NRLow
440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.12 [-0.31, 0.07]2 studiesLow
1500 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index d(m)ft · Young children with primary (deciduous) dentition (aged 1 to 6 years at study start) · 12 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
No studies reported poolable d(m)ft increment; Cahen 1982 reported a df-rate of 18.25% (n=708) in the 0 ppm group vs 13.64% (n=632, 1500 ppm SMFP) and 9.37% (n=668, amine fluoride) groups.1 studyUngraded
1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.28 [-0.47, -0.09]NRLow
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions
DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children aged 0-12 years (healthy except for dental caries)
Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019)
OR 0.19 [0.10, 0.39]8 studiesUngraded
1700 to 2200 ppm F toothpaste vs 1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD 0.05 [-0.19, 0.3]NRLow
1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.21 [-0.33, -0.1]NRLow
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions
DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children aged 0-12 years in Finland · Country: Finland
Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019)
OR 0.48 [0.41, 0.56]1 studyUngraded
1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste vs 440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.16 [-0.35, 0.03]1 studyLow
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions
DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children aged 0-12 years (studies published before 2015) · Published before 2015
Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019)
OR 0.01 [0.00, 0.13]4 studiesUngraded
1000 or 1100 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index DMFS · Adults with mature permanent dentition (aged 18 to 93 years at study start) · 12 to 24 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
MD -0.53 [-1.02, -0.04]3 studies · 2162 participantsModerate
1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste vs 440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste
Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months
Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane
SMD -0.24 [-0.44, -0.04]NRLow