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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.
321 questions in 77 reviews · Dental caries
current versionsNo studies 321 · 100%Ungraded 0 · 0%Very low 0 · 0%Low 0 · 0%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.
| Question | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
1450 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste Adverse effects of toothpaste · Young children with primary (deciduous) dentition (aged 1 to 6 years at study start) Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | Adverse effects of toothpaste: no studies reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Rubber/elastomeric cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Patient-used 250 ppm F mouthrinse (100 ppm amine F/150 ppm NaF), daily vs 0 ppm F placebo mouthrinse, daily Adverse effects · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond (end of orthodontic treatment) Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | SoF 4. Adverse effects: none of the trials reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
1000 or 1100 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste Proportion developing new caries · Adults with mature permanent dentition (aged 18 to 93 years at study start) Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | Proportion of adults developing new caries: no studies reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Rubber/elastomeric cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Harms and adverse effects · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | Harms and adverse outcomes: Not reported (neither study reported on adverse effects). | 0 studies | No studies |
Wooden cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Patient-used 250 ppm F mouthrinse (100 ppm amine F/150 ppm NaF), daily vs 0 ppm F placebo mouthrinse, daily Number of participants with more severe DLs (severity of DLs) · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond (end of orthodontic treatment) Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | SoF 4. Number of participants with more severe DLs: none of the trials reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Laser enamel preparation vs Air abrasion Any planned outcome (sealant retention, caries, etc.) · Patients with premolars/molars requiring pit-and-fissure sealants The clinical effects of laser preparation of tooth surfaces for fissure sealants placement: a systematic… (2019) | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Wooden cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Gingivitis (gingival index) · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | Gingivitis measured by gingival index: Not measured. | 0 studies | No studies |
Wooden cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Harms and adverse effects · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | Harms and adverse outcomes: Not reported (neither study reported on adverse effects). | 0 studies | No studies |
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) vs Children and adolescents without JIA (healthy peers) Dental erosive wear · Children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) Oral health in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis - a systematic review and… (2019) | The present review lacked studies with focus on erosive wear; it concluded that for dental erosive wear there is no scientific evidence to answer the posed research questions. | 0 studies | No studies |
1000 or 1100 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste Adverse effects of toothpaste · Adults with mature permanent dentition (aged 18 to 93 years at study start) Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | Adverse effects of toothpaste: no studies reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Rubber/elastomeric cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Wooden cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Harms and adverse effects · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | Harms and adverse outcomes: Not reported (neither study reported on adverse effects). | 0 studies | No studies |
Oral irrigation plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Rubber/elastomeric cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Patient-used 5000 ppm F toothpaste, daily vs 1450 ppm F (conventional) toothpaste, daily Adverse effects · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond (end of orthodontic treatment) Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | SoF 3. Adverse effects: none of the trials reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Dental cavity liner (e.g. calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer, or flowable composite) placed under the restoration vs No liner (resin-based composite bonded directly to the tooth) Adverse events · Adults or children with a Class I or Class II resin-based composite restoration in a permanent posterior tooth Dental cavity liners for Class I and Class II resin‐based composite restorations (2019) · Cochrane | None reported. No adverse events were reported in any of the included studies (0 studies contributed adverse-events data). | 0 studies | No studies |
Wooden cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Periodontitis (probing pocket depth) · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed periodontitis as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Professionally-applied 12,300 ppm F APF foam, every 2 months vs 0 ppm F placebo foam Number of participants with more severe DLs (severity of DLs) · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond (end of orthodontic treatment) Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | SoF 2. Number of participants with more severe DLs: none of the trials reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Oral irrigation plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Wooden cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Interproximal caries · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Professionally-applied 12,300 ppm F APF foam, every 2 months vs 0 ppm F placebo foam Adverse effects · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond (end of orthodontic treatment) Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | SoF 2. Adverse effects: none of the trials reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE) vs Zinc oxide and propolis (ZOP) Outcome NR · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane | Listed as a pulpectomy comparison; no extractable outcome data reported in this version | 0 studies | No studies |
3Mix (ciprofloxacin + metronidazole + minocycline) vs Ciprofloxacin + ornidazole + minocycline Outcome NR · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane | Listed as a pulpectomy comparison; no extractable outcome data reported in this version | 0 studies | No studies |
Slow-release fluoride device (fluoride glass beads) vs Placebo or usual care (control) Progression of caries lesion through enamel or into dentine · Children with high risk of dental decay Slow‐release fluoride devices for the control of dental decay (2018) · Cochrane | No evidence found | 0 studies | No studies |
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) vs Gutta-percha / AH-Plus Outcome NR · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane | Listed as a pulpectomy comparison; no extractable outcome data reported in this version | 0 studies | No studies |
Slow-release fluoride devices vs Alternative fluoride therapy (topical fluoride: toothpaste, mouthrinse, gel, or varnish) Outcome NR · Children or adults Slow‐release fluoride devices for the control of dental decay (2018) · Cochrane | We found no studies comparing a slow-release fluoride device versus alternative fluoride therapy | 0 studies | No studies |
Zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE) vs Ozonated sesame oil-zinc oxide (ZO) Outcome NR · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane | Listed as a pulpectomy comparison; no extractable outcome data reported in this version | 0 studies | No studies |
Prenatal passive tobacco exposure (maternal smoking during pregnancy / in the womb) vs No passive tobacco exposure (non-exposed children) Dental caries in permanent dentition (presence) · Children and adolescents (permanent dentition) · Prenatal exposure; permanent dentition Association between passive tobacco exposure and caries in children and adolescents. A systematic review and… (2018) | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Slow-release fluoride device (fluoride glass beads) vs Placebo or usual care (control) Dental pain due to decay · Children with high risk of dental decay Slow‐release fluoride devices for the control of dental decay (2018) · Cochrane | No evidence found | 0 studies | No studies |
Formocresol (FC) pulpotomy vs Calcium hydroxide pulpectomy Outcome NR · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane | Coser 2008 randomised 51 teeth; no data provided for any outcome | 0 studies | No studies |
Slow-release fluoride device (fluoride glass beads) vs Placebo or usual care (control) Use of healthcare resources (cost effectiveness, time taken to fit, number of dental visits) · Children with high risk of dental decay Slow‐release fluoride devices for the control of dental decay (2018) · Cochrane | The study reported no data on use of healthcare resources | 0 studies | No studies |
Slow-release fluoride device (fluoride glass beads) vs Placebo or usual care (control) Participant satisfaction · Children with high risk of dental decay Slow‐release fluoride devices for the control of dental decay (2018) · Cochrane | No RCT evidence found | 0 studies | No studies |
Zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE) vs RC Fill Outcome NR · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane | Listed as a pulpectomy comparison; no extractable outcome data reported in this version | 0 studies | No studies |
Endoflas (CH + ZOE + iodoform) vs RC Fill Outcome NR · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane | Listed as a pulpectomy comparison but no extractable outcome data reported in this version | 0 studies | No studies |
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) vs IRM (intermediate restorative material) Outcome NR · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane | Listed as a pulpectomy comparison; no extractable outcome data reported in this version | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) vs Conventional treatment using RM-GIC Participant experience · Older adults with root caries in permanent (mature) teeth (mean age 75 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | No studies reported on participant experience for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (zirconia-toughened alumina; In-Ceram Zirconia) vs Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia; Denzir) Periodontal/peri-implant status (secondary outcomes) · Adults (18 years or older) needing an implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis in the posterior region Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | No data were presented for any of the pre-specified secondary outcomes. Follow-up visits registered pocket depth, bleeding on probing and mobility but the data were not reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Metal-free FDPs (lithium disilicate) vs Metal-ceramic FDPs Aesthetic evaluation · Adults (18 years or older) needing a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | No data were presented with regard to aesthetics. | 0 studies | No studies |
New types of fissure sealant (e.g. ormocer-based) vs No sealant (control) Outcome NR · Children and adolescents (general population, aged under 20 years) Pit and fissure sealants for preventing dental decay in permanent teeth (2017) · Cochrane | No studies comparing new types of fissure sealants with no sealant were included. | NR | No studies |
ART using high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (H-GIC), hand instruments vs Conventional treatment using H-GIC (rotary instruments) Costs (direct and indirect) · People with dental caries in primary teeth (mainly children) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | No studies reported on costs for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride supplementation (tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) vs Placebo or no treatment Decayed, missing and filled primary teeth (dmft) · Pregnant women (for preventing dental caries in the primary teeth of their children) Fluoride supplementation (with tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) in pregnant women for preventing… (2017) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
ART using high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (H-GIC), hand instruments vs Conventional treatment using H-GIC (rotary instruments) Adverse events · People with dental caries in primary teeth (mainly children) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | Adverse events: Not measured. | 0 studies | No studies |
ART using resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) vs Conventional treatment using RM-GIC Costs (direct and indirect) · Older adults with root caries in permanent (mature) teeth (mean age 75 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | No studies reported on costs for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride supplementation (tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) vs Placebo or no treatment Missing primary surfaces (ms) · Pregnant women (for preventing dental caries in the primary teeth of their children) Fluoride supplementation (with tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) in pregnant women for preventing… (2017) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | NR | No studies |
ART using composite resin vs Conventional treatment using composite resin Pain · Children with dental caries in primary teeth (mean age 7 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | Pain: Not measured. | 0 studies | No studies |
Metal-free FDPs (zirconia ceramic) vs Metal-ceramic FDPs Periodontal/peri-implant status (secondary outcomes) · Adults (18 years or older) needing a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | No data were presented for any of the pre-specified secondary outcomes. The trial registered pocket depth, bleeding on probing and mobility at follow-up visits but did not report the data. | 0 studies | No studies |