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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Preformed metal crown (fitted using the Hall Technique) vs Preformed metal crown (fitted using a conventional technique) Outcome NR · Children with decayed primary molar teeth Preformed crowns for decayed primary molar teeth (2015) · Cochrane | None of the included studies compared the effectiveness or safety of the Hall Technique versus the conventional technique of fitting a crown. No RCT evidence found. | 0 studies | No studies |
Chlorhexidine varnish vs Placebo or no treatment Pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction or costs · Children and adolescents below 18 years at study start (included studies: children from birth to 15 years), with… Chlorhexidine treatment for the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | No trials reported on pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction or costs. | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride gel (topically applied; operator- or self-applied; any fluoride agent/concentration; frequency at least once a year) vs Placebo or no treatment Caries increment on primary (deciduous) whole teeth (d(m)ft), prevented fraction · Children with primary (deciduous) teeth (mostly preschool children aged under 6 years) · Nearest to 3 years Fluoride gels for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | There were no data on d(m)ft available. | 0 studies | No studies |
Cessation of water fluoridation (fluoride removed from the water supply) vs Continued fluoridated water Disparities in caries across socioeconomic status (SES) · People of all ages in a previously fluoridated community (Maupome 2001: children with generally low caries experience) Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No evidence to determine the effect of the cessation of water fluoridation on disparities in caries across SES. | 0 studies | No studies |
Cessation of water fluoridation (fluoride removed from the water supply) vs Continued fluoridated water Adverse effects · People of all ages in a previously fluoridated community (Maupome 2001: children with generally low caries experience) Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries (2015) · Cochrane | No evidence to determine whether cessation of a water fluoridation programme is associated with any harms. | 0 studies | No studies |
Xylitol chewing gum vs No treatment or non-cariogenic control Outcome NR · Children and adults · At least 1 year Xylitol‐containing products for preventing dental caries in children and adults (2015) · Cochrane | It was surprising that there were no eligible randomised trials testing xylitol chewing gums against either no treatment or a non-cariogenic control. | 0 studies | No studies |
Chlorhexidine chewing gum vs Placebo or no intervention (including routine care) Outcome NR · Children and adolescents below 18 years at study start (included studies: children from birth to 15 years), with… Chlorhexidine treatment for the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents (2015) · Cochrane | There were no trials on other products containing chlorhexidine such as sprays, toothpastes, chewing gums or mouthrinses. | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) vs Replacement of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) Presence of clinical symptoms (pain, swelling, diagnosis of pulpitis, abscess formation) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective resin composite restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: resin composite (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) vs Replacement of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) Patient satisfaction (measured by patient satisfaction or aesthetic scales) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective amalgam restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: amalgam (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) vs Replacement of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) Success or failure of restoration (as defined by the USPHS criteria) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective resin composite restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: resin composite (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) vs Replacement of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) Adverse events · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective resin composite restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: resin composite (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) vs Replacement of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) Perioperative or postoperative pain or discomfort · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective amalgam restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: amalgam (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) vs Replacement of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) Further restoration required (repair, restoration, placement of crown/inlay, root filling) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective resin composite restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: resin composite (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) vs Replacement of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) Success or failure of restoration (as defined by the USPHS criteria) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective amalgam restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: amalgam (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) vs Replacement of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) Extraction of tooth (due to decay) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective amalgam restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: amalgam (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) vs Replacement of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) Adverse events · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective amalgam restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: amalgam (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) vs Replacement of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) Perioperative or postoperative pain or discomfort · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective resin composite restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: resin composite (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) vs Replacement of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) Extraction of tooth (due to decay) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective resin composite restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: resin composite (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) vs Replacement of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) Presence of clinical symptoms (pain, swelling, diagnosis of pulpitis, abscess formation) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective amalgam restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: amalgam (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) vs Replacement of a defective amalgam restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with amalgam) Further restoration required (repair, restoration, placement of crown/inlay, root filling) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective amalgam restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: amalgam (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Repair of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) vs Replacement of a defective resin composite restoration in a permanent molar or premolar tooth (with resin composite) Patient satisfaction (measured by patient satisfaction or aesthetic scales) · Adults (16 years or over) with one or more defective resin composite restoration(s) in a molar or premolar tooth/teeth · Medium term (less than 5 years) or long term (5 years and above) Replacement versus repair of defective restorations in adults: resin composite (2014) · Cochrane | No randomised controlled trials were found | 0 studies | No studies |
Stepwise excavation (two-stage caries removal, re-entry after an interval) vs One stage complete caries removal Progression of caries · Patients with carious teeth, affecting any tooth surface(s), in unrestored primary and permanent teeth Operative caries management in adults and children (2013) · Cochrane | None of the eight included studies reported on the primary outcome of progression of caries. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Bad breath (halitosis) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed bad breath as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Secondary caries · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Costs (direct costs of interventions) · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
A permanent restorative material or technique (e.g. amalgam; glass ionomer (type I-IV); composite resin (macrofilled, microfilled, hybrid, nanofilled); resin-modified glass ionomer (compomer, giomer); cement/cermet; stainless steel or nickel-chrome crown; pre-fabricated resin/porcelain veneer facing; microabrasion) vs A different permanent restorative material or technique Outcome NR · Children and adolescents under 18 years with amelogenesis imperfecta requiring restorative care of anterior teeth,… Interventions for the restorative care of amelogenesis imperfecta in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Main results: No studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Effects of interventions: No studies met the inclusion criteria. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Interproximal caries · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed caries as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Bad breath (halitosis) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed bad breath as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Patient's view and satisfaction with the treatment · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
A permanent restorative material or technique (e.g. amalgam; glass ionomer (type I-IV); composite resin (macrofilled, microfilled, hybrid, nanofilled); resin-modified glass ionomer (compomer, giomer); cement/cermet; stainless steel or nickel-chrome crown; pre-fabricated resin/porcelain veneer facing; microabrasion) vs A different permanent restorative material or technique Outcome NR · Children and adolescents under 18 years with amelogenesis imperfecta requiring restorative care of posterior teeth,… Interventions for the restorative care of amelogenesis imperfecta in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | Main results: No studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Effects of interventions: No studies met the inclusion criteria. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Quality of life · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed quality of life as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Adverse effects · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
Primary school-based behavioural intervention (both oral hygiene and dietary components) vs No intervention or delayed intervention (non-intervention control; one trial's control received dental treatment plus an annual supervised toothbrushing session) Behavioural outcomes (reported and/or other measures, e.g. data tracking toothbrushes and collecting food wrappers) · Children aged 4 to 12 years attending primary school Primary school‐based behavioural interventions for preventing caries (2013) · Cochrane | No other behavioural outcomes (e.g. objective toothbrush tracking or food-wrapper collection) were measured by the four included studies. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Quality of life · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed quality of life as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Primary school-based behavioural intervention (both oral hygiene and dietary components) vs No intervention or delayed intervention (non-intervention control; one trial's control received dental treatment plus an annual supervised toothbrushing session) Adverse events · Children aged 4 to 12 years attending primary school Primary school‐based behavioural interventions for preventing caries (2013) · Cochrane | No study reported any adverse events. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Interproximal caries · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed caries as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Postoperative sensitivity, marginal adaptation, anatomic form and other clinical outcomes (USPHS restoration quality; includes tooth vitality and pulpitis) · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Periodontitis (clinical attachment loss) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed periodontitis as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Resin composite restorations (filling and bonding systems) containing antibacterial agents vs Composite restorations not containing antibacterial agents Longevity of restorations (time to failure in months) · Adults and adolescents in any age group with restorations in the permanent dentition and children with restorations in… Antibacterial agents in composite restorations for the prevention of dental caries (2013) · Cochrane | No studies were included in this review, as we were unable to find any trials directly comparing antibacterial containing composites to other active interventions or controls. | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Periodontitis (clinical attachment loss) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | Not estimable. No included study assessed clinical attachment loss, a measure of progression of periodontitis. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride supplements (tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gums) vs Topical fluoride (fluoride rinse, varnish or toothpaste) Fluorosis (adverse effect; % of children with fluorotic teeth) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at baseline) Fluoride supplements (tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gums) for preventing dental caries in children (2011) · Cochrane | Summary of findings 2 lists fluorosis (% of children with fluorotic teeth) as 'See comment / Not estimable / Not estimated'; no included study reported fluorosis for the fluoride supplements versus topical fluoride… | NR | No studies |
Flossing plus toothbrushing (self-performed; manual or automated floss) vs Toothbrushing alone (with or without a negative-control/placebo rinse) Economic and resource cost of flossing · Dentate adults aged 16 years or older (excluding orthodontic patients and those with severe periodontal disease) Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2011) · Cochrane | Not reported. No included study measured the economic or resource cost of flossing; the review notes it may be important to measure in future trials. | 0 studies | No studies |
Flossing plus toothbrushing (self-performed; manual or automated floss) vs Toothbrushing alone (with or without a negative-control/placebo rinse) Interproximal caries · Dentate adults aged 16 years or older (excluding orthodontic patients and those with severe periodontal disease) Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2011) · Cochrane | Not estimable (0 studies). See comment: No included study assessed caries as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Flossing plus toothbrushing (self-performed; manual or automated floss) vs Toothbrushing alone (with or without a negative-control/placebo rinse) Clinical attachment loss · Dentate adults aged 16 years or older (excluding orthodontic patients and those with severe periodontal disease) Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2011) · Cochrane | Not estimable (0 studies). SoF comment reads (verbatim) 'No included study assessed calculus as an outcome' (apparent copy-paste typo in the clinical attachment loss row; no study assessed clinical attachment loss). | 0 studies | No studies |
Flossing plus toothbrushing (self-performed; manual or automated floss) vs Toothbrushing alone (with or without a negative-control/placebo rinse) Bad breath (halitosis) · Dentate adults aged 16 years or older (excluding orthodontic patients and those with severe periodontal disease) Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2011) · Cochrane | Not reported. No included study measured halitosis; the review notes it may be important to measure in future trials. | 0 studies | No studies |
Flossing plus toothbrushing (self-performed; manual or automated floss) vs Toothbrushing alone (with or without a negative-control/placebo rinse) Calculus · Dentate adults aged 16 years or older (excluding orthodontic patients and those with severe periodontal disease) Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2011) · Cochrane | Not estimable (0 studies). See comment: No included study assessed calculus as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Flossing plus toothbrushing (self-performed; manual or automated floss) vs Toothbrushing alone (with or without a negative-control/placebo rinse) Quality of life · Dentate adults aged 16 years or older (excluding orthodontic patients and those with severe periodontal disease) Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2011) · Cochrane | Not estimable (0 studies). See comment: No included study assessed quality of life as an outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) vs Conventional or other radiotherapy Outcome NR · People with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (ICD-O C01-C06) or oropharynx (ICD-O C09-C10); head and… Interventions for the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer: radiotherapy (2010) · Cochrane | Discussion: 'There are currently no trials of IMRT in this systematic review' (the PARSPORT trial was underway, expected 2013). No eligible trials of intensity modulated radiotherapy identified. | 0 studies | No studies |
Altered fractionation radiotherapy plus chemotherapy vs Chemoradiotherapy with standard (conventional) fractionation Outcome NR · People with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (ICD-O C01-C06) or oropharynx (ICD-O C09-C10); head and… Interventions for the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer: radiotherapy (2010) · Cochrane | Discussion: 'there are no completed trials of altered fractionation plus chemotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy with standard fractionation.' | 0 studies | No studies |
Altered fractionation radiotherapy vs Chemoradiotherapy (concurrent, standard fractionation) Outcome NR · People with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (ICD-O C01-C06) or oropharynx (ICD-O C09-C10); head and… Interventions for the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer: radiotherapy (2010) · Cochrane | Discussion: altered fractionation radiotherapy 'has not been directly compared to chemoradiotherapy'. No eligible head-to-head trials. | 0 studies | No studies |