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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)

46 questions in 9 reviews · cluster CL0087

current versions
No studies 4 · 8.7%Ungraded 20 · 43.5%Very low 12 · 26.1%Low 10 · 21.7%Moderate 0 · 0%High 0 · 0%

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
Clearfil Protect Bond antibacterial fluoride-releasing primer vs Transbond XT conventional primer
Bracket failure · Patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment · During orthodontic treatment
Can Orthodontic Adhesive Systems Inhibit the Formation and Development of White Spot Lesions During Fixed… (2024)
No statistically significant difference in bond failure rates was observed between quadrants bonded with Clearfil (CF) and those bonded with the conventional primer (p = 0.316).1 study · 35 participantsUngraded
Povidone iodine vs Ozonated water
Reduction in level of contamination by particles >5 um (droplets) at <2 m from patient's oral cavity · Dental patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and the dental healthcare providers treating them · operator level; aerobic cultures
Preprocedural mouth rinses for preventing transmission of infectious diseases through aerosols in dental… (2022) · Cochrane
MD 3.5 [-17.1, 24.1]1 study · 40 participantsVery low
Full-mouth scaling (FMS): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours, without antiseptic vs Quadrant scaling and root planing (control): SRP of each quadrant in separate sessions at least one week apart
Change in clinical attachment level (CAL) · Adults with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis (1999 classification); studies of aggressive… · 6 to 8 months (SoF); similar at 3 to 4 months
Full‐mouth treatment modalities (within 24 hours) for periodontitis in adults (2022) · Cochrane
MD 0.10 [-0.05, 0.26]5 studies · 148 participantsLow
Full-mouth scaling (FMS): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours, without antiseptic vs Full-mouth disinfection (FMD): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours plus adjunctive antiseptic (chlorhexidine) treatments (rinsing, pocket irrigation, tongue/tonsil brushing)
Change in clinical attachment level (CAL) · Adults with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis (1999 classification); studies of aggressive… · 6 to 8 months (SoF); 3 to 4 months favoured FMD
Full‐mouth treatment modalities (within 24 hours) for periodontitis in adults (2022) · Cochrane
MD -0.05 [-0.23, 0.13]4 studies · 112 participantsLow
Full-mouth scaling (FMS): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours, without antiseptic vs Quadrant scaling and root planing (control): SRP of each quadrant in separate sessions at least one week apart
Change in probing pocket depth (PPD) · Adults with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis (1999 classification); studies of aggressive… · 6 to 8 months (SoF); similar at 3 to 4 months
Full‐mouth treatment modalities (within 24 hours) for periodontitis in adults (2022) · Cochrane
MD 0.03 [-0.14, 0.20]5 studies · 148 participantsLow
Povidone iodine vs Saline
Reduction in level of contamination by particles >5 um (droplets) at <2 m from patient's oral cavity · Dental patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and the dental healthcare providers treating them · operator level
Preprocedural mouth rinses for preventing transmission of infectious diseases through aerosols in dental… (2022) · Cochrane
MD -16.5 [-32.65, -0.35]1 study · 12 participantsVery low
Povidone iodine 1% vs Control
Presence of dry socket · Adults (>18 years) having permanent tooth extraction (predominantly mandibular third molars) · Follow-up: median 7 days
Local interventions for the management of alveolar osteitis (dry socket) (2022) · Cochrane
RR 0.36 [0.14, 0.98]1 study · 189 participantsUngraded
Iodine tampon vs Saline irrigation (monoject syringe)
Presence of dry socket · Adults (>18 years) having permanent tooth extraction (predominantly mandibular third molars) · Follow-up: median 7 days
Local interventions for the management of alveolar osteitis (dry socket) (2022) · Cochrane
Iodine tampon versus rinsing with saline in a syringe (Tuk 2019): Iodine tampon 0/54 Monoject with saline 0/54; no events (effect not estimable)1 study · 108 participantsUngraded
Povidone iodine vs Ozonated water
Reduction in level of contamination by particles <=5 um (droplet nuclei) at >=2 m from patient's oral cavity · Dental patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and the dental healthcare providers treating them · droplet nuclei; aerobic cultures
Preprocedural mouth rinses for preventing transmission of infectious diseases through aerosols in dental… (2022) · Cochrane
MD -12.5 [-26.33, 1.33]1 study · 40 participantsVery low
Povidone iodine vs Ozonated water
Reduction in level of contamination by particles <=5 um (droplet nuclei) at >=2 m from patient's oral cavity · Dental patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and the dental healthcare providers treating them · droplet nuclei; anaerobic cultures
Preprocedural mouth rinses for preventing transmission of infectious diseases through aerosols in dental… (2022) · Cochrane
MD -2.6 [-9.54, 4.34]1 study · 40 participantsVery low
Full-mouth scaling (FMS): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours, without antiseptic vs Full-mouth disinfection (FMD): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours plus adjunctive antiseptic (chlorhexidine) treatments (rinsing, pocket irrigation, tongue/tonsil brushing)
Change in probing pocket depth (PPD) · Adults with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis (1999 classification); studies of aggressive… · 6 to 8 months (SoF); similar at 3 to 4 months
Full‐mouth treatment modalities (within 24 hours) for periodontitis in adults (2022) · Cochrane
MD -0.11 [-0.30, 0.07]4 studies · 112 participantsLow
Full-mouth scaling (FMS): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours, without antiseptic vs Full-mouth disinfection (FMD): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours plus adjunctive antiseptic (chlorhexidine) treatments (rinsing, pocket irrigation, tongue/tonsil brushing)
Tooth loss · Adults with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis (1999 classification); studies of aggressive…
Full‐mouth treatment modalities (within 24 hours) for periodontitis in adults (2022) · Cochrane
Tooth loss: None of the studies comparing FMS vs FMD reported tooth loss.0 studiesNo studies
Full-mouth scaling (FMS): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours, without antiseptic vs Quadrant scaling and root planing (control): SRP of each quadrant in separate sessions at least one week apart
Tooth loss · Adults with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis (1999 classification); studies of aggressive…
Full‐mouth treatment modalities (within 24 hours) for periodontitis in adults (2022) · Cochrane
Tooth loss: None of the studies comparing FMS vs control reported tooth loss.0 studiesNo studies
Full-mouth scaling (FMS): scaling/root planing (subgingival instrumentation) of all quadrants within 24 hours, without antiseptic vs Quadrant scaling and root planing (control): SRP of each quadrant in separate sessions at least one week apart
Pocket closure (sites with PPD <=4 mm) · Adults with a clinical diagnosis of (chronic) periodontitis (1999 classification); studies of aggressive…
Full‐mouth treatment modalities (within 24 hours) for periodontitis in adults (2022) · Cochrane
Pocket closure (sites with PPD <=4 mm after treatment): 9 studies reported; all showed increased closed pockets after treatment; 8 of 9 found no between-group difference; Koshy 2005 found a greater change in both…9 studiesUngraded
Povidone iodine rinse vs Usual care (suction alone, no rinse)
Incidence of VAP · Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
Povidone iodine versus usual care (Seguin 2006, 67 participants): a reduction in VAP was found; single study, not replicated, interpret with caution.1 study · 67 participantsUngraded
Triclosan rinse vs Saline rinse
Duration of ICU stay · Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
MD -4.97 [-5.55, -4.39]1 study · 324 participantsUngraded
Toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics), as part of oral hygiene care vs No toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics)
Mortality · Critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU · Follow-up: mean 1 month
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
RR 0.84 [0.67, 1.05]5 studies · 910 participantsLow
Toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics), as part of oral hygiene care vs No toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics)
Systemic antibiotic use · Critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
This outcome was not reported by any of the studies in this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Povidone iodine coolant vs Distilled water coolant
Reduction in level of contamination in aerosols (CFU): povidone iodine coolant vs distilled water during ultrasonic scaling · People undergoing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) in a dental setting
Interventions to reduce contaminated aerosols produced during dental procedures for preventing infectious… (2020) · Cochrane
MD -656.45 [-672.74, -640.16]1 study · 40 participantsVery low
Povidone iodine rinse vs Saline rinse or placebo
Mortality · Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
RR 1.00 [0.66, 1.50]2 studies · 217 participantsUngraded
Triclosan rinse vs Saline rinse
Duration of mechanical ventilation · Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
MD -5.24 [-5.64, -4.84]1 study · 324 participantsUngraded
Toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics), as part of oral hygiene care vs No toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics)
Caregivers' preferences for oral hygiene care · Critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
The outcome of caregivers' preferences was not reported by any study in this comparison.0 studiesNo studies
Toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics), as part of oral hygiene care vs No toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics)
Incidence of VAP · Critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU · Follow-up: mean 1 month
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
RR 0.61 [0.41, 0.91]5 studies · 910 participantsLow
Triclosan rinse vs Saline rinse
Incidence of VAP · Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
RR 0.89 [0.71, 1.12]1 study · 324 participantsUngraded
Toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics), as part of oral hygiene care vs No toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics)
Oral health indices (plaque score) · Critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
Plaque score: one study (Yao 2011) showed evidence of reduced plaque in the toothbrushing group; no usable pooled estimate.1 studyUngraded
Povidone iodine rinse vs Saline rinse or placebo
Incidence of VAP · Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
RR 0.69 [0.50, 0.95]3 studies · 356 participantsUngraded
Toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics), as part of oral hygiene care vs No toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics)
Duration of mechanical ventilation · Critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU · Follow-up: mean 1 month
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
MD -0.43 [-1.17, 0.30]4 studies · 810 participantsLow
Povidone iodine rinse vs Usual care (suction alone, no rinse)
Mortality · Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
Povidone iodine versus usual care: single study (67 participants), no evidence of a difference in mortality.1 study · 67 participantsUngraded
Povidone iodine rinse vs Saline rinse or placebo
Duration of ICU stay · Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
MD -0.35 [-3.90, 3.21]2 studies · 217 participantsUngraded
Toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics), as part of oral hygiene care vs No toothbrushing (with or without antiseptics)
Duration of ICU stay · Critically ill adults receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU · Follow-up: mean 1 month
Oral hygiene care for critically ill patients to prevent ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2020) · Cochrane
MD -1.89 [-3.52, -0.27]3 studies · 749 participantsVery low
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Gestational age (preterm birth < 37 weeks) · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.87 [0.70, 1.10]11 studies · 5671 participantsLow
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Preterm birth < 35 weeks · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 1.19 [0.81, 1.76]2 studies · 2557 participantsVery low
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Mean gestational age (weeks) · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
Six studies (2573 participants) reported mean gestational age in weeks; data not pooled due to skewness; mean difference ranged between -0.1 and 1.4 weeks. Two studies reported gestational age as time-to-event data…6 studies · 2573 participantsUngraded
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Preterm birth < 32 weeks · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 1.35 [0.78, 2.32]3 studies · 2755 participantsVery low
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Low birth weight < 1500 g · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.80 [0.38, 1.70]2 studies · 2550 participantsVery low
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Severe pre-eclampsia (progression from mild pre-eclampsia) · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 1.21 [0.77, 1.92]1 study · 60 participantsVery low
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Mean birth weight (grams) · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
Eight studies (5120 participants) reported birth weight in grams; data not pooled due to skewness; mean difference ranged between -52.8 and 476.6 grams.8 studies · 5120 participantsUngraded
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Perinatal mortality (including fetal and neonatal deaths up to the first 28 days after birth) · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.85 [0.51, 1.43]7 studies · 5320 participantsVery low
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Clinical attachment level (change) · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
Reported as a secondary periodontal outcome (Analysis 1.7); results not meta-analysed due to considerable heterogeneity (I2 91% to 100%); reduction in favour of periodontal treatment.4 studiesUngraded
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Probing depth (change) · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
Reported as a secondary periodontal outcome (Analysis 1.6); results not meta-analysed due to considerable heterogeneity (I2 91% to 100%); reduction in favour of periodontal treatment.4 studiesUngraded
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Small for gestational age · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.97 [0.81, 1.16]3 studies · 3610 participantsLow
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Birth weight (low birth weight < 2500 g) · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.67 [0.48, 0.95]7 studies · 3470 participantsLow
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Maternal mortality · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
0% in both groups; Not estimated; 2134 participants (4 RCTs)4 studies · 2134 participantsUngraded
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment
Pre-eclampsia · Pregnant women considered to have periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) after dental examination
Treating periodontal disease for preventing adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women (2017) · Cochrane
RR 1.10 [0.74, 1.62]3 studies · 2946 participantsVery low
Mucoadhesive disk (carbomer/triglycerides + antimicrobial agents) vs Placebo disk
Xerostomia (oral dryness/moistness) · Adults seeking treatment for the symptom of dry mouth (xerostomia) due to any cause (e.g. medication, Sjogren's…
Interventions for the management of dry mouth: topical therapies (2011) · Cochrane
Kerr 2010 (crossover, high risk of bias): no difference in oral dryness between active and placebo disks; increase in subjective oral moistness with both, persisting up to 2 weeks after last use (likely carryover);…1 studyUngraded
Povidone vs Water
Oral mucositis (any severity) · Patients with cancer receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapies · Median 28 days
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis for patients with cancer receiving treatment (2011) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted2 studiesUngraded