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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. Every word you type has to appear somewhere in the question, and the closest matches are ranked first.
10,375 questions in 429 reviews · Oral Health
current versionsNo 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.
| Question | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Amifostine vs No treatment/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 0.66 [0.48, 0.92] | 5 studies · 687 participants | Low |
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), mouthwash vs Sucralfate mouthwash Oral mucositis (severe) · 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 0.54 [0.24, 1.21] | 1 study · 40 participants | Ungraded |
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF; palifermin or repifermin), intravenous vs Placebo Normalcy of diet (supplemental nutrition: TPN, PEG, nasogastric tube or IV hydration) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · RT to head and neck with cisplatin/fluorouracil Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane | RR 1.03 [0.77, 1.37] | 3 studies · 473 participants | Ungraded |
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure Treatment time: duration of orthodontic treatment (placement to removal of fixed appliances) · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · Fixed-appliance phase Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane | MD -3.77 [-9.20, 1.66] | 1 study · 43 participants | Ungraded |
Transforming growth factor-beta(2) (TGF-beta2) vs Placebo Oral mucositis (any severity) · Adults receiving chemotherapy alone for colorectal cancer Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane | RR 0.10 [0.01, 1.71] | 1 study · 13 participants | Ungraded |
Ibuprofen taken pre-emptively (about 1 hour before treatment) vs Ibuprofen taken post-treatment Quality of life or participant satisfaction · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | No studies in this comparison reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen chewing gum) vs Local anaesthetic (benzocaine chewing gum) Quality of life or participant satisfaction · 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 studies | No studies |
Metal-free implant-supported single crowns (zirconia veneered with feldspathic ceramic) vs Metal-ceramic implant-supported single crowns Marginal bone level (first bone to implant contact, FBIC) · Adults (18 years or older) with one missing tooth in the aesthetic zone needing an implant-supported single crown · 12 months, Mesial to crown Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | MD -0.03 [-0.42, 0.36] | 1 study · 18 participants | Ungraded |
Dementia (any type or severity) vs Older people without dementia Root caries (mean number) · Older people (aged 60 years or older) with dementia · Older people aged 60 years or older; community-dwelling, assisted-living, and nursing-home settings Oral health and orofacial pain in older people with dementia: a systematic review with focus on dental hard… (2017) | no estimate extracted | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Zinc supplements (zinc sulphate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc acetate, or polaprezinc) vs Placebo Taste acuity improvement - patient-reported outcome · Patients with taste disturbances (dysgeusia/hypogeusia; idiopathic, zinc-deficient, or secondary to chronic renal… · Mean 3 months, Zinc-deficient/idiopathic taste disorder Interventions for managing taste disturbances (2017) · Cochrane | RR 1.40 [0.94, 2.09] | 2 studies · 119 participants | Very low |
Amifostine (intravenous) vs Amifostine (subcutaneous) Overall survival · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 48 months postRT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | HR 1.36 [0.89, 2.10] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Metal-free implant abutments (zirconia) vs Metal implant abutments (titanium) Implant probing pocket depth (PPD) · Adults (18 years or older) with one missing tooth in the aesthetic zone needing an implant-supported single crown on… · 12 months Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | MD -0.22 [-0.60, 0.16] | 2 studies · 47 participants | Ungraded |
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure Gum health: midpalatal gingival recession · 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 | RR 1.32 [0.63, 2.77] | 1 study · 62 participants | Ungraded |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, alone or with antimicrobials) vs Alternative (less intensive) periodontal treatment, alone or with placebo 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 1.85 [0.69, 4.96] | 1 study · 756 participants | Very low |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, alone or with antimicrobials) vs Alternative (less intensive) periodontal treatment, alone or with placebo Bleeding on probing · 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 -28.00 [-38.54, -17.46] | 1 study · 53 participants | Ungraded |
Metal-free FDPs (lithium disilicate) vs Metal-ceramic FDPs Bridge complications · Adults (18 years or older) needing a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) · 72 months Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | OR 0.07 [0.01, 0.75] | 1 study · 22 participants | Very low |
Amifostine 200 mg/m2 three times weekly vs Amifostine 200 mg/m2 five times weekly Allergic response (adverse effect) · 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 | RR 1.00 [0.15, 6.64] | 1 study · 60 participants | Ungraded |
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment Oral mucositis (moderate to severe) · 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 0.72 [0.49, 1.06] | 1 study · 29 participants | Very low |
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment Oral pain (mean pain score, 0 to 10 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 0.60 [-0.85, 2.05] | 1 study · 90 participants | Ungraded |
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF; palifermin or repifermin), intravenous vs Placebo Interruptions to cancer treatment (chemotherapy delays/discontinuations) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · RT to head and neck with cisplatin/fluorouracil Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane | RR 0.96 [0.62, 1.47] | 2 studies · 374 participants | Ungraded |
ART using H-GIC vs Conventional treatment using RM-GIC (with local anaesthetic) Restoration failure (permanent, mature teeth) · Adults with root caries in permanent (mature) teeth · Coronal and root caries Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | OR 1.46 [0.74, 2.88] | 2 studies · 210 participants | Ungraded |
Amifostine vs No treatment/placebo Asthenia (adverse effect) · 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 | RR 2.91 [0.31, 27.24] | 1 study · 130 participants | Ungraded |
Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), oral spray vs Placebo Oral mucositis (any severity) · Adults receiving chemotherapy alone for colorectal cancer Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane | RR 0.52 [0.35, 0.79] | 1 study · 99 participants | Ungraded |
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation Wound dehiscence (adverse effect) · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · Up to 3 years postoperatively Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane | Three patients (10%) in the titanium group and two patients (6.7%) in the resorbable group presented with wound dehiscence. One patient in each group with dehisced wounds became infected; all non-infected wounds closed… | 1 study · 60 participants | Ungraded |
ART using high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (H-GIC), hand instruments vs Conventional treatment using H-GIC (rotary instruments) Secondary caries · People with dental caries in primary teeth (mainly children) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | Two studies reported on secondary caries, but this outcome was not reported by trial arm (Yu 2004; Roeleveld 2006). | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Chinese medicine vs No treatment/placebo Xerostomia (other Chinese medicines) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · End of RT; 1 month after RT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | No evidence of a difference for Tianwang Buxin Mini-pills (Lin 2014, 71 participants) or Jinlong capsules (Han 2010, 95 participants) | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (zirconia-toughened alumina; In-Ceram Zirconia) vs Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia; Denzir) Bridge failure · Adults (18 years or older) needing an implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis in the posterior region · 12, 36, 60 and 120 months Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | No FDP failures were reported in either group at 12, 36, 60 or 120 months (18 participants; 17 at 120 months). | 1 study · 18 participants | Very low |
Metal-free implant-supported single crowns (zirconia veneered with feldspathic ceramic) vs Metal-ceramic implant-supported single crowns Aesthetic evaluation (pink and white aesthetic score, PES and WES total) · Adults (18 years or older) with one missing tooth in the aesthetic zone needing an implant-supported single crown · 24 months Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | MD -0.77 [-3.00, 1.46] | 1 study · 18 participants | Very low |
Pilocarpine vs No treatment/placebo Overall survival · 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 | RR 1.07 [0.80, 1.43] | 1 study · 60 participants | Very low |
Chlorhexidine mouthrinse (any concentration; 0.05% to 0.2%) used in conjunction with mechanical oral hygiene procedures vs Placebo/control mouthrinse, or no mouthrinse (mechanical oral hygiene alone); controls pooled (protocol's separate comparisons versus mechanical oral hygiene alone and versus placebo/control merged) Supragingival calculus formation (various calculus indices) · Children or adults with gingivitis or periodontitis capable of performing normal mechanical oral hygiene procedures… · 6 months Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health (2017) · Cochrane | SMD 0.80 [0.33, 1.26] | 4 studies · 323 participants | Ungraded |
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 participants | Very low |
Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), oral spray vs Placebo Adverse events · Adults receiving chemotherapy alone for colorectal cancer Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane | Adverse events narratively reported (not GRADE-rated) | 1 study | Ungraded |
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation Postoperative chronic or lasting pain (wound discomfort) at 4 to 6 months (VAS 0 to 10) · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · 4 to 6 months Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane | MD -0.77 [-1.58, 0.04] | 1 study · 60 participants | Very low |
Polaprezinc vs Azulene oral rinse Oral pain (severe, > 2 on 0-3 scale) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · Over RT period Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | RR 0.36 [0.17, 0.77] | 1 study · 31 participants | Ungraded |
Chlorhexidine mouthrinse (any concentration; 0.05% to 0.2%) used in conjunction with mechanical oral hygiene procedures vs Placebo/control mouthrinse, or no mouthrinse (mechanical oral hygiene alone); controls pooled (protocol's separate comparisons versus mechanical oral hygiene alone and versus placebo/control merged) Dental plaque (various plaque indices) · Children or adults with gingivitis or periodontitis capable of performing normal mechanical oral hygiene procedures… · 6 months Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health (2017) · Cochrane | SMD -1.43 [-1.76, -1.10] | 11 studies · 2075 participants | High |
Ibuprofen taken pre-emptively (about 1 hour before treatment) vs Ibuprofen taken post-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 -11.30 [-16.27, -6.33] | 1 study · 41 participants | Very low |
Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (zirconia-toughened alumina; In-Ceram Zirconia) vs Metal-free implant-supported FDPs (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia; Denzir) Aesthetic evaluation · 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 with regard to aesthetics. | 0 studies | No studies |
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure Patient response: satisfaction with treatment (satisfactory vs unsatisfactory) · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · After orthodontic treatment Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane | RR 1.00 [0.92, 1.09] | 1 study · 43 participants | Ungraded |
Chinese medicine vs No treatment/placebo Quality of life · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · End of intervention to 3 months postRT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | Insufficient evidence to determine any effect on quality of life (Lin 2014; Analysis 6.5) | 1 study | Ungraded |
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) · 6 hours Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | MD -24.27 [-31.44, -17.11] | 9 studies · 535 participants | Moderate |
Fluoride supplementation (tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) vs Placebo or no treatment Decayed primary surfaces at 3 years · Pregnant women (for preventing dental caries in the primary teeth of their children) · 3 years Fluoride supplementation (with tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) in pregnant women for preventing… (2017) · Cochrane | MD 0.05 [-0.02, 0.12] | 1 study · 938 participants | Ungraded |
Chinese medicine vs No treatment/placebo Overall survival · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 12 months postRT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | Insufficient evidence to determine any effect on overall survival (Hu 2005; Analysis 6.4) | 1 study | Ungraded |
Analgesic (any: NSAID, paracetamol, local anaesthetic or opioid) vs Control (placebo or no treatment) 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 | No studies in this comparison reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Pilocarpine vs No treatment/placebo Other oral related symptoms (oral discomfort, eating difficulty, mucosal pain, oral complications) · 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 | Insufficient evidence of a difference: oral discomfort MD -18.00 (95% CI -37.41 to 1.41); eating difficulties MD -14.40 (95% CI -35.38 to 6.58); mucosal pain MD -14.80 (95% CI -37.07 to 7.47); oral complications RR… | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Amifostine (intravenous) vs Amifostine (subcutaneous) Quality of life · 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 either quality of life or other oral related symptoms were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Bethanechol vs Artificial saliva Salivary flow rate (stimulated, ml/min) · 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 | MD 0.21 [0.01, 0.41] | 1 study · 29 participants | Ungraded |
Chlorhexidine mouthrinse (any concentration; 0.05% to 0.2%) used in conjunction with mechanical oral hygiene procedures vs Placebo/control mouthrinse, or no mouthrinse (mechanical oral hygiene alone); controls pooled (protocol's separate comparisons versus mechanical oral hygiene alone and versus placebo/control merged) Gingivitis (gingival inflammation) measured by Gingival Index of Loe and Silness · Children or adults with gingivitis or periodontitis capable of performing normal mechanical oral hygiene procedures… · 6 months Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health (2017) · Cochrane | MD -0.20 [-0.30, -0.11] | 13 studies · 2616 participants | High |
Chlorhexidine mouthrinse (any concentration; 0.05% to 0.2%) used in conjunction with mechanical oral hygiene procedures vs Placebo/control mouthrinse, or no mouthrinse (mechanical oral hygiene alone); controls pooled (protocol's separate comparisons versus mechanical oral hygiene alone and versus placebo/control merged) Gingival bleeding (various bleeding indices) · Children or adults with gingivitis or periodontitis capable of performing normal mechanical oral hygiene procedures… · 6 months Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health (2017) · Cochrane | SMD -0.72 [-1.02, -0.42] | 8 studies · 1132 participants | Ungraded |
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen lysinate mouthwash, 160 mg) vs Topical NSAID (benzidamine hydrochloride mouthwash, 22.5 mg) Adverse events · 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 studies | No studies |
Epidermal growth factor (EGF), oral spray vs Placebo Adverse events · Adults with cancer receiving treatment Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane | Adverse events narratively reported; no serious events attributed to EGF (not GRADE-rated) | 2 studies | Ungraded |