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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Palifermin vs Placebo Dysphagia · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 3 months postRT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | RR 1.32 [0.55, 3.13] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
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 · End of RT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | MD 0.13 [-0.03, 0.29] | 1 study · 32 participants | Ungraded |
NSAID (systemic) vs Paracetamol Pain intensity (VAS 0-100 mm) · People undergoing orthodontic treatment (any age; 9 to 34 years in included studies) · 24 hours Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | MD -0.51 [-8.93, 7.92] | 9 studies · 734 participants | Low |
Amifostine vs No treatment/placebo Locoregional tumour control · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 12 to 24 months postRT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | HR 0.90 [0.74, 1.11] | 2 studies · 279 participants | Ungraded |
ART using composite resin vs Conventional treatment using composite resin Restoration failure (primary dentition) · Children with dental caries in primary teeth (mean age 7 years) · 24 months, Multiple surface lesions Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | OR 1.11 [0.54, 2.29] | 1 study · 57 participants | Very low |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment Perinatal mortality (including fetal and neonatal deaths up to the first 28 days after birth) · 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 0.85 [0.51, 1.43] | 7 studies · 5320 participants | Very low |
Polaprezinc vs Azulene oral rinse Disability of oral intake · 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 0.31 [0.07, 1.31] | 1 study · 31 participants | Ungraded |
Venalot Depot (coumarin plus troxerutin) vs Placebo 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 |
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF; palifermin or repifermin), intravenous vs Placebo Oral mucositis (severe) · 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 0.85 [0.65, 1.11] | 6 studies · 852 participants | Low |
ART using composite resin vs Conventional treatment using composite resin Secondary caries · Children with dental caries in primary teeth (mean age 7 years) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | No studies reported on secondary caries for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment Normalcy of diet (total parenteral nutrition) · 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 1.10 [0.63, 1.91] | 1 study · 36 participants | Ungraded |
Metal-free single crowns (full-contour zirconia) vs Cast gold (conventional metal) single crowns Crown failure · Adults (18 years or older) needing a single crown in the molar or premolar region · 60 months Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | OR 17.52 [5.07, 60.54] | 1 study · 158 participants | Very low |
Antimicrobial lozenge vs Placebo Nausea (adverse effect) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · Over 6 months Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | RR 1.90 [1.10, 3.28] | 1 study · 131 participants | Ungraded |
Antiseptic mouthrinse vs Placebo 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 | No survival data were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment Oral mucositis (moderate to severe) · 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 0.94 [0.79, 1.13] | 1 study · 109 participants | Very low |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment Clinical attachment level (change) · 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 | Reported as a secondary periodontal outcome (Analysis 1.7); results not meta-analysed due to considerable heterogeneity (I2 91% to 100%); reduction in favour of periodontal treatment. | 4 studies | Ungraded |
Fluoride supplementation (tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) vs Placebo or no treatment Filled 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 0.07 [-0.07, 0.21] | 1 study · 938 participants | Ungraded |
Amifostine 200 mg/m2 three times weekly vs Amifostine 200 mg/m2 five times weekly 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 salivary flow rate data related to the effectiveness of different doses of amifostine were reported. | 0 studies | No studies |
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), intravenous vs Chlorhexidine mouthwash Oral mucositis (severe) · Children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia receiving chemotherapy alone · Children Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane | RR 0.01 [0.00, 0.19] | 1 study · 90 participants | Ungraded |
Pilocarpine vs No treatment/placebo Adverse effects (other reported events) · 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 evidence of a difference for any other adverse event (nausea, vomiting, chilling, headache, lacrimation, dysphasia, weakness, nervousness, rhinitis, blurred vision, urinary frequency, dizziness, palpitation, skin… | NR | Ungraded |
Resorbable (bioresorbable) plates or screws for fixation vs Titanium plates or screws for fixation Immediate postoperative swelling (assessed by photography or digital morphometry) · Adults (>16 years old) undergoing orthognathic surgery · Up to 3 years postoperatively Resorbable versus titanium plates for orthognathic surgery (2017) · Cochrane | Though Cheung 2004 reported the presence of postoperative swelling, it was only noted in conjunction with infection and pus discharge; assessment of this outcome did not include the use of photography or digital… | 1 study · 60 participants | Ungraded |
Amifostine 200 mg/m2 three times weekly vs Amifostine 200 mg/m2 five times weekly Nausea (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 0.64 [0.33, 1.25] | 1 study · 60 participants | Ungraded |
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment Number of days of treatment with opioid analgesics · 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 -1.10 [-1.91, -0.29] | 1 study · 90 participants | Ungraded |
Amifostine 200 mg/m2 three times weekly vs Amifostine 200 mg/m2 five times weekly Xerostomia (grade >= 2, 0-4 scale) · 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 | RR 0.94 [0.58, 1.53] | 1 study · 49 participants | Ungraded |
ART using glass ionomer cement (GIC) vs Conventional treatment using amalgam Pain (permanent, immature teeth) · Children and adolescents with dental caries (primary teeth and permanent immature teeth) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus conventional restorative treatment for managing dental caries (2017) · Cochrane | OR 0.41 [0.35, 0.47] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Venalot Depot (coumarin plus troxerutin) vs Placebo 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 adverse events could be attributed to the experimental medication (Grotz 2001) | 1 study | Ungraded |
ART using resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) vs Conventional treatment using RM-GIC Restoration failure (primary dentition) · 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 | Restoration failure (primary dentition): 0 studies; No studies included. | 0 studies | No studies |
Zinc supplements (zinc sulphate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc acetate, or polaprezinc) vs Placebo Taste acuity improvement - objective outcome (dichotomous) - chronic renal failure · Patients with taste disturbances (dysgeusia/hypogeusia; idiopathic, zinc-deficient, or secondary to chronic renal… · Chronic renal failure Interventions for managing taste disturbances (2017) · Cochrane | RR 25 [1.65, 379.57] | 1 study · 24 participants | Ungraded |
Metal-free FDPs (zirconia ceramic) vs Metal-ceramic FDPs Bridge complications · Adults (18 years or older) needing a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) · 36 months Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | OR 1.94 [0.38, 9.88] | 1 study · 34 participants | Very low |
Selenium vs No intervention Side effects · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 6 weeks after end of RT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | 23 serious adverse events in the selenium group versus 22 in the control group (P = 0.476); no significant differences in toxicities (Buntzel 2010) | 1 study | Ungraded |
Palifermin vs Placebo Mouth and throat soreness (OMWQ-HN, 0-4 scale) · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · 3 months postRT Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | MD -0.12 [-0.27, 0.02] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), lower dose (336 mg) vs Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF), higher dose (2688 mg) 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 | Insufficient evidence to determine whether lower (336 mg) or higher (2688 mg) dose performs better (Analyses 11.1 to 11.3); no pooled estimate reported | 1 study · 66 participants | Ungraded |
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) · 6 hours Pharmacological interventions for pain relief during orthodontic treatment (2017) · Cochrane | MD -8.43 [-30.37, 13.50] | 2 studies · 69 participants | Very low |
Topical NSAID (ketoprofen chewing gum) vs Local anaesthetic (benzocaine chewing gum) 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 |
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure Success of surgery (eruption of the canine crown sufficient for orthodontic alignment, without repeated surgery) · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · 10 days postoperative Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane | RR 0.99 [0.93, 1.06] | 3 studies · 141 participants | Low |
Glass ionomer-based sealant vs Resin-based sealant Adverse effects · Children and adolescents (general population, aged under 20 years) Pit and fissure sealants for preventing dental decay in permanent teeth (2017) · Cochrane | One trial measured adverse effects. None reported. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, polishing, or surgery), alone or with oral hygiene counselling, antiseptics, or antimicrobials vs No treatment Probing depth (change) · 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 | Reported as a secondary periodontal outcome (Analysis 1.6); results not meta-analysed due to considerable heterogeneity (I2 91% to 100%); reduction in favour of periodontal treatment. | 4 studies | Ungraded |
Venalot Depot (coumarin plus troxerutin) vs Placebo Xerostomia · 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 | RTOG scores were a composite of radiation side effects on different sites and could not be used for assessing xerostomia (Grotz 2001) | 1 study | Ungraded |
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, Distal to crown Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | MD 0.09 [-0.28, 0.46] | 1 study · 18 participants | Ungraded |
Amifostine vs No treatment/placebo Nausea (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 2.60 [1.81, 3.74] | 4 studies · 556 participants | Low |
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 · 120 months Metal‐free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations (2017) · Cochrane | OR 0.02 [0.00, 0.48] | 1 study · 17 participants | Very low |
Periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, alone or with antimicrobials) vs Alternative (less intensive) periodontal treatment, alone or with placebo Probing depth · 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 -0.93 [-1.12, -0.74] | 1 study · 53 participants | Ungraded |
Metal-free FDPs (lithium disilicate) vs Metal-ceramic FDPs Periodontal/peri-implant status and occlusal wear (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. | 0 studies | No studies |
Bethanechol vs Artificial saliva 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 | Low rates of adverse effects (watering eyes, nervousness, frequent urination, sweating, warm face, cramps, diarrhoea, nausea) with insufficient evidence of any differences (Jham 2007) | 1 study | Ungraded |
Antimicrobial lozenge vs Placebo Quality of life and other oral related symptoms · Patients receiving radiotherapy on its own or in addition to chemotherapy to the head and neck region · Over 6 months Pharmacological interventions for preventing dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction following radiotherapy (2017) · Cochrane | Insufficient evidence of a difference for global quality of life, mouth pain RR 0.94 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.33), sore/burning mouth RR 0.95 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.35), throat pain RR 0.79 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.12) (Duncan 2005) | 1 study | Ungraded |
Open surgical exposure vs Closed surgical exposure Treatment time: length of time in the operating theatre (first incision to final suture) · People with maxillary palatally displaced (impacted) canines, unilateral or bilateral (children/adolescents; mean ages… · Intraoperative Open versus closed surgical exposure of canine teeth that are displaced in the roof of the mouth (2017) · Cochrane | MD -3.18 [-7.59, 1.22] | 2 studies · 89 participants | Very low |
Zinc supplements (zinc sulphate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate, zinc acetate, or polaprezinc) vs Placebo Taste acuity improvement - objective outcome (continuous data) · Patients with taste disturbances (dysgeusia/hypogeusia; idiopathic, zinc-deficient, or secondary to chronic renal… · Mean 3 months, Idiopathic dysgeusia Interventions for managing taste disturbances (2017) · Cochrane | SMD 0.44 [0.23, 0.65] | 3 studies · 366 participants | Very low |
ART using high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (H-GIC), hand instruments vs Conventional treatment using H-GIC (rotary instruments) Restoration failure (permanent dentition) · 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 restoration failure in permanent dentition for this comparison. | 0 studies | No studies |
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) vs Placebo or no treatment Oral mucositis (moderate to severe) · Adults with cancer receiving treatment · Chemotherapy alone for breast cancer Interventions for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving treatment: cytokines and… (2017) · Cochrane | RR 0.33 [0.12, 0.95] | 1 study · 14 participants | Very low |
NSAID (systemic) vs Paracetamol 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 -2.92 [-8.48, 2.65] | 7 studies · 664 participants | Low |