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Search review questions

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. Every word you type has to appear somewhere in the question, and the closest matches are ranked first.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

10,375 questions in 429 reviews · Oral Health

current versions
No studies 1,344 · 13%Ungraded 6,832 · 65.9%Very low 1,228 · 11.8%Low 613 · 5.9%Moderate 290 · 2.8%High 68 · 0.7%

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
EMP + CAF vs SCTG + CAF
Gingival recession change · Adult patients with single (localised) recession-type defects (Miller Class I/II, at least 3 mm) · Short term (6 to 12 months)
Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession‐type defects (2018) · Cochrane
MD -0.39 [-1.27, 0.48]2 studies · 62 participantsVery low
Sealapex (eugenol-free calcium hydroxide) vs Zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE)
Clinical failure · Children with extensive decay involving the dental pulp in primary teeth · 12 months
Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth (2018) · Cochrane
RR 5.00 [0.26, 98.00]1 study · 40 participantsUngraded
Orthodontic treatment without extraction of permanent teeth vs Orthodontic treatment involving extraction of permanent teeth
Participant discomfort · Children (80% aged <= 16 years) with a Class II division 2 malocclusion (deep bite and retroclined upper front teeth)
Orthodontic treatment for deep bite and retroclined upper front teeth in children (2018) · Cochrane
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation
Exposure of the plate (adverse effect) · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · Up to 3 years postoperatively
Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane
Both titanium and resorbable groups experienced two plate exposures which occurred between the third and ninth month, with plate exposure rates of 1.02% for the titanium group and 1.21% for the resorbable group. All…1 study · 60 participantsUngraded
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 studiesNo studies
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF; palifermin or repifermin), intravenous vs Placebo
Normalcy of diet (mean worst ability to eat, 1 to 4 scale) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · BMT/SCT after conditioning for haematological cancers
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
MD -0.50 [-1.21, 0.21]1 study · 42 participantsUngraded
Ibuprofen taken pre-emptively (about 1 hour before treatment) vs Ibuprofen taken post-treatment
Rescue analgesia · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.8 [0.3, 1.9]2 studies · 41 participantsUngraded
Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), oral spray vs Placebo
Oral mucositis (moderate to severe) · Adults receiving chemotherapy alone for colorectal cancer
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.22 [0.10, 0.48]1 study · 99 participantsUngraded
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, alone or with antimicrobials) vs Alternative (less intensive) periodontal treatment, alone or with placebo
Clinical attachment level · 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
MD -0.13 [-0.23, -0.03]1 study · 53 participantsUngraded
Bethanechol vs Artificial saliva
Xerostomia (dry mouth, yes/no) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 8 to 40 weeks postRT
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.56 [0.30, 1.05]1 study · 30 participantsUngraded
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment
Interruptions to cancer treatment (radiotherapy interruptions) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · RT to head and neck
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.22 [0.01, 4.31]1 study · 40 participantsUngraded
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), mouthwash vs Sucralfate mouthwash
Interruptions to cancer treatment · Adults receiving radiotherapy to the head and neck · RT to head and neck
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.13 [0.01, 2.36]1 study · 40 participantsUngraded
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure
Gum health: midbuccal gingival recession (mm) · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · 3 months post-debond
Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane
MD -0.02 [-0.21, 0.16]2 studies · 105 participantsUngraded
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 studiesNo studies
Analgesic (any: NSAID, paracetamol, local anaesthetic or opioid) vs Control (placebo or no treatment)
Pain intensity (VAS 0-100 mm) · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) · 2 hours
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
MD -11.66 [-16.15, -7.17]10 studies · 685 participantsModerate
Polaprezinc vs Azulene oral rinse
Salivary flow rate · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
No data on salivary flow rates were reported.0 studiesNo studies
Bethanechol vs Artificial saliva
Salivary flow rate (unstimulated, ml/min) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · End of RT
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
MD 0.12 [0.01, 0.23]1 study · 36 participantsUngraded
Palifermin vs Placebo
Progression-free survival · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 42 to 72 months from baseline
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
HR 1.06 [0.80, 1.42]3 studiesUngraded
Bethanechol vs Artificial saliva
Overall survival · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 40 weeks postRT
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
RR 1.59 [0.43, 5.84]1 study · 43 participantsUngraded
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation
Occurrence of sinus tract (adverse effect) · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · Up to 3 years postoperatively
Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane
Five patients (three in the titanium group and two in the resorbable group) developed a non-infected sinus tract. The sinus tracts arose earlier in the titanium group (sixth week) than in the resorbable group (third…1 study · 60 participantsUngraded
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure
Gum health: periodontal probing depth · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · 3 months post-debond
Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane
MD -0.14 [-0.48, 0.20]1 study · 43 participantsUngraded
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 studiesNo studies
Epidermal growth factor (EGF), oral spray vs Placebo
Oral mucositis (severe) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · Chemoradiotherapy to the head and neck
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
RR 1.03 [0.59, 1.80]1 study · 136 participantsUngraded
Amifostine vs No treatment/placebo
Dysphagia (grade >= 3, 0-4 scale) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · End of RT; up to 3 months postRT
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.50 [0.17, 1.48]2 studies · 73 participantsUngraded
Polaprezinc vs Azulene oral rinse
Side effects · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
No data on adverse events were reported.0 studiesNo studies
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment
Adverse events · Adults with cancer receiving treatment
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
Adverse events attributed to GM-CSF typically bone pain, nausea, fever and headache; not reported as serious; reporting poor and inconsistent (SoF comments cell, not GRADE-rated)8 studiesUngraded
Polaprezinc vs Azulene oral rinse
Survival · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
Tumour response by RECIST criteria reported for a specific group of patients only; no usable survival data (Watanabe 2010)1 studyUngraded
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF; palifermin or repifermin), intravenous vs Placebo
Oral mucositis (any severity) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · BMT/SCT after conditioning for haematological cancers
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.96 [0.88, 1.05]4 studies · 655 participantsUngraded
ART using high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (H-GIC), hand instruments vs Conventional treatment using H-GIC (rotary instruments)
Participant experience (discomfort during procedure) · People with dental caries in primary teeth (mainly children) · Multiple lesions, children 6 to 8 years
Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane
OR 0.95 [0.51, 1.79]1 study · 220 participantsUngraded
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment
Oral mucositis (any severity) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · BMT/SCT after conditioning for haematological cancers
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.91 [0.80, 1.04]1 study · 90 participantsUngraded
Chinese medicine vs No treatment/placebo
Salivary flow rate (stimulated) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · End of RT
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
MD 0.09 [0.03, 0.15]1 study · 50 participantsUngraded
ART using composite resin vs Conventional treatment using composite resin
Participant experience (dental anxiety) · Children with dental caries in primary teeth (mean age 7 years)
Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane
MD 0.00 [-0.52, 0.52]1 study · 57 participantsUngraded
Palifermin vs Placebo
Xerostomia (grade >= 2, 0-4 scale) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · Up to and including 3 months postRT
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.97 [0.77, 1.22]3 studies · 471 participantsLow
Metal-free FDPs (zirconia ceramic) vs Metal-ceramic FDPs
Bridge failure · Adults (18 years or older) needing a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) · 12 and 36 months
Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane
At 12 months and at 36 months 34 participants were available for analysis. No FDP failure was reported in either treatment approach at either time.1 study · 34 participantsVery low
Bonded molar tubes (attached with adhesive) vs Molar bands (cemented, e.g. with glass ionomer cement)
Adverse events (illness, allergy, bad taste, mucosal trauma) · Participants with full arch fixed orthodontic appliance(s) with molar tubes bonded to first or second permanent…
Adhesives for bonded molar tubes during fixed brace treatment (2017) · Cochrane
No other adverse events identified2 studiesUngraded
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen lysinate mouthwash, 160 mg) vs Topical NSAID (benzidamine hydrochloride mouthwash, 22.5 mg)
Time off school or work · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies)
Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane
The study did not report this outcome.0 studiesNo studies
Metal-free implant abutments (zirconia) vs Metal implant abutments (titanium)
Marginal bone level change (MBLC) · Adults (18 years or older) with one missing tooth in the aesthetic zone needing an implant-supported single crown on… · 12 months, Distal
Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane
MD -0.05 [-0.15, 0.04]2 studies · 47 participantsUngraded
Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (zirconia-toughened alumina; In-Ceram Zirconia) vs Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia; Denzir)
Bridge complications · Adults (18 years or older) needing an implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis in the posterior region · 60 months
Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane
OR 0.02 [0.00, 0.42]1 study · 18 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
Antiseptic mouthrinse vs Placebo
Drooling (hyposialosis) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 4 weeks from baseline
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
RR 1.43 [0.46, 4.39]1 study · 24 participantsUngraded
Zinc supplements (zinc sulphate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc acetate, or polaprezinc) vs Placebo
Taste discrimination improvement · Patients with taste disturbances (dysgeusia/hypogeusia; idiopathic, zinc-deficient, or secondary to chronic renal…
Interventions for managing taste disturbances (2017) · Cochrane
Results: Matson 2003 used zinc sulphate for testing taste discrimination (sip and spit method); the trial did not report the details of the placebo group and thus the results could not be meta-analysed. Not GRADE-rated.1 studyUngraded
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF; palifermin or repifermin), intravenous vs Placebo
Number of days in hospital · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · BMT/SCT after conditioning for haematological cancers
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
MD 0.00 [-1.64, 1.64]1 study · 281 participantsUngraded
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, alone or with antimicrobials) vs Alternative (less intensive) periodontal treatment, alone or with placebo
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 1.39 [0.92, 2.09]1 study · 756 participantsVery low
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment
Oral mucositis (any severity) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · RT to head and neck
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
RR 1.01 [0.82, 1.23]1 study · 29 participantsUngraded
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment
Oral mucositis (severe) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · BMT/SCT after conditioning for mixed cancers
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
RR 0.74 [0.33, 1.67]3 studies · 235 participantsLow
Pilocarpine vs No treatment/placebo
Quality of life (McMaster HNRQ, 1-7 scale) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · Up to and including 6 months postRT
Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane
MD 0.20 [-0.19, 0.59]1 study · 90 participantsVery low
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation
Clinical stability of osteotomy segments (VAS 0 to 10) · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · 0 to 24 months (by period)
Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane
Clinical stability of osteotomy segments (Cheung 2004), self-assessed on a VAS (0=very mobile, 10=no mobility) by postoperative period, titanium vs resorbable mean (SD): 0 to 2 weeks 8.10 (1.79) vs 8.47 (2.18), P=0.48;…1 study · 60 participantsUngraded
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF; palifermin or repifermin), intravenous vs Placebo
Oral mucositis (any severity) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · Children
Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane
Two studies of KGF versus placebo in children were unclear in reporting; no usable data could be presented2 studiesUngraded
Fluoride supplementation (tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) vs Placebo or no treatment
Adverse effects (apart from fluorosis) · 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 extracted1 studyUngraded
ART using H-GIC vs Conventional treatment using amalgam
Restoration failure (primary teeth) · Children with dental caries in primary teeth · Single and multiple lesions
Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane
OR 2.15 [0.73, 6.35]2 studiesUngraded