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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)

321 questions in 77 reviews · Dental caries

current versions
No 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.

QuestionEffectEvidenceStatus / GRADE
Partial pulpotomy vs Full (complete) pulpotomy
Patient- and clinical-reported outcomes (tooth survival, clinical/radiographic success, pain) · Asymptomatic permanent teeth with deep caries (no symptoms)
The effectiveness of partial pulpotomy compared with full pulpotomy in managing deep caries in vital… (2025)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Cavity liner (calcium hydroxide, glass-ionomer cement, resin-modified calcium silicate/TheraCal LC, hydraulic calcium silicate/MTA or Biodentine, flowable composite, or other liner material) vs No cavity liner or a different liner material
Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) · Patients with deep caries lesions in mature or immature permanent (posterior) teeth, with no symptoms or reversible… · >=6 months
Efficacy of different cavity liners compared to no cavity lining in managing deep caries in vital permanent… (2025)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) vs reference standard
detection of proximal caries · primary teeth with proximal caries · primary dentition
Diagnostic accuracy of quantitative light-induced fluorescence in detecting caries of various types and… (2025)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Intervention NR
Tooth survival · -
The effectiveness of partial pulpotomy compared with full pulpotomy in managing deep caries in vital… (2025)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Pulp and periapical diseases vs Without pulp and periapical diseases
Lacunar stroke · Adults
The contribution of oral infectious diseases in lacunar stroke based on meta-analysis and Mendelian… (2025)
No studies addressing the association between pulp and periapical diseases and LS were identified.0 studiesNo studies
Microinvasive techniques (resin infiltration, sealant, glass ionomer) vs Invasive treatment (conventional restorations)
Radiographic progression of proximal caries lesions · Children and adults with non-cavitated proximal (interproximal) caries lesions in primary and/or permanent teeth (ages…
Microinvasive interventions in the management of proximal caries lesions in primary and permanent teeth-… (2025)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Partial pulpotomy vs Full (complete) pulpotomy
Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) · Mature permanent (molar) teeth with deep caries and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis (spontaneous pain) · >=6 months
The effectiveness of partial pulpotomy compared with full pulpotomy in managing deep caries in vital… (2025)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Dental caries vs Without dental caries
Lacunar stroke · Adults
The contribution of oral infectious diseases in lacunar stroke based on meta-analysis and Mendelian… (2025)
No studies addressing the association between dental caries and LS were identified.0 studiesNo studies
Partial pulpotomy vs Full (complete) pulpotomy
Patient- and clinical-reported outcomes (tooth survival, clinical/radiographic success, pain) · Permanent teeth with deep caries and reversible pulpitis (non-spontaneous pain)
The effectiveness of partial pulpotomy compared with full pulpotomy in managing deep caries in vital… (2025)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
High-intensity sweeteners other than stevia (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin) in food products vs Any comparator (dietary sugar, no treatment, or other sweetener)
Effects of non-stevia high-intensity sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin) on cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque or saliva · Generally healthy individuals across all age groups
Clinical Effects of Sugar Substitutes on Cariogenic Bacteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (2024)
No studies on high-intensity sweeteners such as sucralose, saccharin, or aspartame were found; the review located no eligible trials of these sweeteners on cariogenic bacteria.0 studiesNo studies
Dietary advice on how to achieve a healthy diet for infants (tailored advice focused on a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol intake) vs Standard care
dmfs index score · For interventions, pregnant women, mothers or other caregivers of infants in the first year of life; for outcomes,…
Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood… (2024) · Cochrane
dmfs was listed in the SoF table but not assessed (not reported for this comparison).0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Glass ionomer cement (GIC) plus fluoride varnish
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Glass ionomer cement (GIC) plus fluoride varnish
Dental pain or sensitivity · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Chlorhexidine varnish
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Oral health education/promotion (oral hygiene advice plus diet and feeding practice advice) combined with clinical treatment for mother's dentition (basic restorative and preventive; 1 trial included CHX varnish application) vs Standard care
dmfs index score · For interventions, pregnant women and mothers of infants in the first year of life; for outcomes, children up to 6…
Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood… (2024) · Cochrane
dmfs was listed in the SoF table but not assessed (not reported for this comparison).0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Chlorhexidine varnish
Caries arrest · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Sealants or resin infiltration
Caries arrest · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Primary and permanent dentition
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data in either dentition type0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Silver nitrate plus fluoride varnish
Primary caries prevention · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) and CHX or iodine-NaF solution application in the dentition of women (mothers) vs Placebo
dmft index score · For interventions, pregnant women and mothers of infants in the first year of life; for outcomes, children up to 6…
Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood… (2024) · Cochrane
dmft was listed in the SoF table but not assessed (no trial reported it).0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Glass ionomer cement (GIC) plus fluoride varnish
Aesthetics · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) plus fluoride varnish vs Sealants plus fluoride varnish (with or without restorations)
Aesthetics · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) with glass ionomer cement (GIC) or glass ionomer material
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Primary and permanent dentition
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported this outcome0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Sealants or resin infiltration
Aesthetics · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Sealants or resin infiltration
Primary caries prevention · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Permanent dentition (root)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data in this dentition type0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Sealants or resin infiltration
Primary caries prevention · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Primary dentition
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data in this dentition type0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Silver nitrate plus fluoride varnish
Dental pain or sensitivity · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Breastfeeding promotion and support (e.g. individually tailored home-based peer counselling on the importance of breastfeeding, with advice and support for healthy breastfeeding) vs Standard care
dmfs index score · For interventions, pregnant and lactating women; for outcomes, children up to 6 years of age
Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood… (2024) · Cochrane
dmfs was listed in the SoF table but not assessed (not reported for this comparison).0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Placebo or no treatment
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Permanent dentition (root)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies measured this outcome for root surfaces0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Fluoride varnish
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Permanent dentition (root)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data in this dentition type0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) with glass ionomer cement (GIC) or glass ionomer material
Primary caries prevention · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Primary and permanent dentition
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported this outcome0 studiesNo studies
Dietary advice on how to achieve a healthy diet for infants (tailored advice focused on a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol intake) vs Standard care
dmft index score · For interventions, pregnant women, mothers or other caregivers of infants in the first year of life; for outcomes,…
Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood… (2024) · Cochrane
dmft was listed in the SoF table but not assessed (not reported for this comparison).0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Glass ionomer cement (GIC) plus fluoride varnish
Primary caries prevention · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Restoration (restorative treatment)
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Silver nitrate plus fluoride varnish
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Consumption of xylitol chewing gum by women (mothers) vs Consumption of CHX/xylitol gum by women, or CHX varnish applied to women's dentition
dmfs index score · For interventions, pregnant women and mothers of infants in the first year of life; for outcomes, children up to 6…
Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood… (2024) · Cochrane
dmfs was listed in the SoF table but not assessed (not reported for this comparison).0 studiesNo studies
Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) and CHX or iodine-NaF solution application in the dentition of women (mothers) vs Placebo
dmfs index score · For interventions, pregnant women and mothers of infants in the first year of life; for outcomes, children up to 6…
Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood… (2024) · Cochrane
dmfs was listed in the SoF table but not assessed (no trial reported it).0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Fluoride varnish
Caries arrest · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Permanent dentition (root)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data in this dentition type0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Fluoride varnish
Caries arrest · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Permanent dentition (coronal)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data in this dentition type0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) plus fluoride varnish vs Sealants plus fluoride varnish (with or without restorations)
Dental pain or sensitivity · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Chlorhexidine varnish
Aesthetics · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Chlorhexidine varnish
Dental pain or sensitivity · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) with glass ionomer cement (GIC) or glass ionomer material
Caries arrest · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Permanent dentition
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported this outcome in this dentition type0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Sealants or resin infiltration
Dental pain or sensitivity · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) plus fluoride varnish vs Sealants plus fluoride varnish (with or without restorations)
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) plus fluoride varnish vs Sealants plus fluoride varnish (with or without restorations)
Primary caries prevention · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Health service and/or policy intervention designed to modify access to oral health information or services for pregnant women, new mothers or other primary caregivers vs Standard care (or any comparator)
Outcome NR · For interventions, pregnant women, mothers or other caregivers of infants in the first year of life; for outcomes,…
Interventions with pregnant women, new mothers and other primary caregivers for preventing early childhood… (2024) · Cochrane
No trials evaluated policy or health service interventions designed to modify access to oral health information or services.0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Restoration (restorative treatment)
Primary caries prevention · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Placebo or no treatment
Dental pain or sensitivity · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies measured this outcome0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Silver nitrate plus fluoride varnish
Aesthetics · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data for this outcome in this comparison0 studiesNo studies
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) vs Fluoride varnish
Secondary prevention of caries · Children and adults (with or without carious lesions) · Permanent dentition (coronal)
Topical silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for preventing and managing dental caries in children and adults (2024) · Cochrane
No studies reported data in this dentition type0 studiesNo studies