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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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC) fissure sealants vs Resin-based fissure sealants Caries occurrence on sealed teeth · Sealed permanent teeth · 24 months, 24 months (permanent teeth) The modified Ottawa method to establish the update need of a systematic review: glass-ionomer versus resin… (2013) | RR 1.51 [1.00, 2.28] | 8 studies · 2810 participants | Ungraded |
Resin-based fissure sealants vs Glass-ionomer cement-based fissure sealants Retention-to-caries risk ratio (RCR) · Patients with fissure-sealed permanent molar teeth · At least 24 months, Main analysis Validity of sealant retention as surrogate for caries prevention--a systematic review. (2013) | Mean RCR (retention-to-caries risk ratio); t-test of difference Resin mean RCR 9.64 (SD 24.58) vs GIC 13.68 (SD 13.72); p=0.017 | 62 studies | Ungraded |
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 |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard More advanced caries lesion detection · Primary teeth with approximal surfaces · More advanced caries lesion threshold, LFpen, approximal, primary teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Sensitivity 0.795 [0.730, 0.850] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Prophylactic systemic antibiotics (amoxicillin) vs No antibiotics or placebo Postoperative infection · Adults undergoing dental implant placement · 3 to 5 months Interventions for replacing missing teeth: antibiotics at dental implant placement to prevent complications (2013) · Cochrane | RR 0.69 [0.36, 1.35] | 6 studies · 1162 participants | Ungraded |
Two miniplates (transbuccal approach) vs One miniplate plus two screws (intraoral approach at external oblique ridge) Restoration of function (malocclusion) · Adults with fractures of the mandibular angle · Angle of mandible only Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures (2013) · Cochrane | RR 0.46 [0.05, 4.17] | 1 study | Ungraded |
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) Caries increment measured by the difference in decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) · Children aged 4 to 12 years attending primary school · 2 years Primary school‐based behavioural interventions for preventing caries (2013) · Cochrane | PF 0.49 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Primary dental health aide (PDHA) service-delivery models (PDHA program; PDHA + intensive staffing; PDHA + robust prevention) vs Baseline pre-intervention service-delivery scenario Projected dental care utilisation · Alaska Native children (below age 18) · 20-year projection Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Projected dental care utilisation (%) 90 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of diseased molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (restoration of the teeth and leaving them in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Patients' quality of life · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluorescence camera (FC) vs Reference standard More advanced caries lesion detection · Permanent teeth with occlusal surfaces · More advanced caries lesion threshold, FC, occlusal, permanent teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.669 [0.627, 0.708] | 8 studies | Ungraded |
Dental care provided by dental health aide therapists (DHATs, mid-level providers) vs Dental care provided by dentists (or no comparison group) Quality of dental record keeping by DHATs · Alaska Native dental patients (children aged 6-17 and adults) and their caregivers · Cross-sectional (DHATs practising ~9 months to several years) Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Record keeping by DHATs was consistent with evaluation criteria; the 4 practising DHATs met Indian Health Service guidelines on record keeping. | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Capitation remuneration vs Fee-for-service remuneration Patient outcomes: mean number of decayed teeth per 14- to 15-year-old (data for 0- to 15-year-olds NR) · Children (0- to 15-year-olds) undergoing routine continuing dental care at 354 dental practices, in matched pairs of… · 3 years, Rural community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | MD 0.75 | 1 study · 1919 participants | Low |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Headgear (extraoral appliance) Movement of upper incisor teeth (mm) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | MD 1.82 [1.39, 2.24] | 4 studies · 150 participants | Low |
Zygomatic implants without bone grafts (as a complete alternative to any bone augmentation procedure) vs Conventional dental implants in augmented maxillae Implant failure (mobile implants, removal of stable implants due to progressive marginal bone loss or infection, implant fractures) · Participants with an atrophic maxilla who cannot be rehabilitated with conventional dental implants due to lack of… · At least 1 year in function Interventions for replacing missing teeth: dental implants in zygomatic bone for the rehabilitation of the… (2013) · Cochrane | Results (Effects of interventions): we could not identify any eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs). | 0 studies | No studies |
Intervention NR Risk of caries occurrence · Main analysis; resin-based (Mat 1) Validity of sealant retention as surrogate for caries prevention--a systematic review. (2013) | Mean risk (proportion of sealed teeth) 0.12 (SD 0.14) | 54 studies | Ungraded |
Resin-based fissure sealants vs No comparator (within-material surrogate-validity regression) Association between loss of complete retention risk and caries occurrence risk · Patients with fissure-sealed permanent molar teeth · Longest follow-up per trial, Sensitivity analysis Validity of sealant retention as surrogate for caries prevention--a systematic review. (2013) | Regression slope (ln caries risk on ln retention-loss risk) 0.53 [-0.27, 1.32] | 14 studies · 3154 participants | Ungraded |
Fluorescence camera (FC; VistaProof) vs Reference standard (histological examination, operative intervention, or other/visual examination) Relative DOR by setting (FC, advanced, occlusal permanent) · Permanent teeth, occlusal surfaces, with suspected caries lesions · More advanced (dentine/cavitated) caries lesions threshold, Laboratory vs clinical (reference) Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | RDOR 3.83 [0.53, 27.73] | NR | Ungraded |
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) Frequency of cariogenic food and drink consumption · Children aged 4 to 12 years attending primary school Primary school‐based behavioural interventions for preventing caries (2013) · Cochrane | Worthington 2001: few children had problems identifying foods containing sugar; only 15% of intervention and 19% of control participants reported routinely consuming sugary snacks on arriving home from school; snacking… | 1 study | Ungraded |
Self etching primers (one-step etchant and primer system) vs Conventional etchants (two-step etch and prime method using 37% phosphoric acid) Participant satisfaction · Children and adults with fixed orthodontic brackets bonded to incisors, canines and premolars Enamel etching for bonding fixed orthodontic braces (2013) · Cochrane | Participant satisfaction: No studies assessed this outcome. | NR | No studies |
Stepwise excavation (two-stage caries removal, re-entry after an interval) vs One stage complete caries removal Pulp exposure during caries removal · Patients with carious teeth, affecting any tooth surface(s), in unrestored primary and permanent teeth · During caries removal Operative caries management in adults and children (2013) · Cochrane | RR 0.44 [0.33, 0.60] | 4 studies · 627 participants | Moderate |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard Initial caries lesion detection · Primary teeth with approximal surfaces · Initial caries lesion threshold, LFpen, approximal, primary teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.870 [0.843, 0.895] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Triclosan/copolymer-containing fluoride toothpaste vs Fluoride toothpaste without triclosan Coronal caries increment at 24 to 36 months (decayed filled surfaces, DFS) · Children and adults (aged 16 years or less = children, over 16 = adults) without periodontitis at baseline; in… · 24 to 36 months Triclosan/copolymer containing toothpastes for oral health (2013) · Cochrane | MD -0.16 [-0.31, -0.02] | 4 studies · 9692 participants | High |
Brush biopsy (oral cytology) vs No screening Outcome NR · Planned population: general population or high-risk / opportunistic screening groups (no eligible study) Screening programmes for the early detection and prevention of oral cancer (2013) · Cochrane | There was no evidence to support the use of adjunctive technologies like toluidine blue, brush biopsy or fluorescence imaging as a screening tool to reduce oral cancer mortality; no eligible randomised controlled trial… | 0 studies | No studies |
Community and caregiver oral health education plus media campaign vs Pre-intervention BBTD rate Baby bottle tooth decay prevalence · Alaska Native Head Start children · 3 years, Alaska Native site Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Percent increase in BBTD prevalence 20 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Transbuccal miniplate combined with intraoral approach vs Intraoral approach alone Wound dehiscence · Adults with fractures of the mandibular angle · 3 months, Angle of mandible only Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures (2013) · Cochrane | RR 0.43 [0.19, 0.98] | 1 study · 138 participants | Ungraded |
Dental repositioning vs Spontaneous re-eruption, orthodontic repositioning, or surgical repositioning Outcome NR · Patients (mainly children and young adults) with a history of dental trauma and a diagnosis of luxation (intrusion,… · Minimum 12 months follow-up Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: luxated (dislodged) teeth (2013) · Cochrane | Types of dental repositioning: to compare spontaneous re-eruption, orthodontic repositioning or surgical repositioning. Main results: No randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials were found; no study was… | 0 studies | No studies |
Fluoride varnish vs Placebo or no treatment Caries increment in permanent teeth: decayed, (missing) and filled teeth D(M)FT (prevented fraction) · Children and adolescents aged 16 years or less · At least 1 year Fluoride varnishes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | PF 0.44 [0.11, 0.76] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of diseased molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (restoration of the teeth and leaving them in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Overall survival · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Harms and adverse effects · 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. 2 studies reported adverse outcomes in terms of problems with the use of the assigned interdental cleaning aids. We were unable to pool data. (See comment) Three further studies reported that no adverse… | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Another (different) intraoral distalising appliance Movement of upper first molars (mm) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | SoF table 3 (intraoral vs other intraoral appliance). Assumed risk "Not estimated"; Corresponding risk "Not estimated"; Relative effect "Meta-analysis not appropriate". Quality: very low. Comment: "No pooled estimate… | 3 studies · 93 participants | Very low |
Immediate loading vs Early loading Implant failure · Patients who are having osseointegrated root-form dental implants · 1 year Interventions for replacing missing teeth: different times for loading dental implants (2013) · Cochrane | RR 0.65 [0.26, 1.64] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Capitation remuneration vs Fee-for-service remuneration Healthcare costs: mean expenditure in GBP per 0- to 15-year-old (currency year NR) · Children (0- to 15-year-olds) undergoing routine continuing dental care at 354 dental practices, in matched pairs of… · 1 year, Northern urban community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | MD 4.22 | 1 study · 276414 participants | Low |
Pre-radiotherapy extraction of healthy molar teeth vs Conservative treatment (leaving the teeth in place during radiotherapy, with oral health education and disease prevention: oral hygiene, fluoride, diet advice) Delay in start of radiation treatment · Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer planned to undergo any type of radiotherapy (external beam, intensity… Dental extractions prior to radiotherapy to the jaws for reducing post‐radiotherapy dental complications (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen; DIAGNOdent pen) vs Reference standard (histological examination, operative intervention, or other/visual examination) Relative DOR by reference standard (LFpen, advanced, occlusal permanent) · Permanent teeth, occlusal surfaces, with suspected caries lesions · More advanced (dentine/cavitated) caries lesions threshold, Operative intervention vs histological (reference) Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | RDOR 0.96 [0.12, 7.77] | NR | Ungraded |
Fluorescence camera (FC) vs Reference standard Initial caries lesion detection · Permanent teeth with occlusal surfaces · Initial caries lesion threshold, FC, occlusal, permanent teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.821 [0.739, 0.885] | 8 studies | Ungraded |
Acupuncture vs Placebo (sham acupuncture) Patient satisfaction with treatment · Adults with dry mouth due to radiotherapy (head and neck cancer) or Sjogren's Syndrome Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
2 mm locking titanium plates vs 2 mm non-locking titanium plates Post-operative pain · Adults (16 to 68 years) with mandibular fractures excluding condylar involvement Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures (2013) · Cochrane | Agarwal 2011 reported a significant decrease in VAS pain from week 1 to the 3-month follow-up, with no difference between groups at the follow-up visits, but presented no supporting data. | 1 study | Ungraded |
Immediate mobilization vs 2 weeks delayed mobilization (IMF) Post-operative pain · Adults with mandibular fractures excluding condyles (fixed with 2 mm titanium miniplates) Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures (2013) · Cochrane | Pain (scale 1 to 10) was minor in both groups with no significant differences (Table 4): 6 weeks 1.55 vs 1.20; 3 months 1.00 vs 2.64; 6 months 1.30 vs 2.71 (immediate release vs IMF). 95% confidence interval not… | 1 study | Ungraded |
Primary dental health aide (PDHA) service-delivery models (PDHA program; PDHA + intensive staffing; PDHA + robust prevention) vs Baseline pre-intervention service-delivery scenario Projected Significant Caries (SiC) index · Alaska Native children (below age 18) · 20-year projection, 12-year-olds Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Significant Caries (SiC) index, 12-year-olds 3.3 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Powered toothbrush vs Manual toothbrush Stimulated whole saliva (SWS) · Adults with medication-related dry mouth · 5 minutes after brushing Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | MD -0.13 [-1.92, 1.66] | 1 study | Ungraded |
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) Frequency of toothbrushing · Children aged 4 to 12 years attending primary school Primary school‐based behavioural interventions for preventing caries (2013) · Cochrane | Worthington 2001 reported children's brushing frequency: almost all children (99%) at baseline reported twice daily brushing, and this level was maintained across all groups throughout the intervention (in baseline… | 1 study | Ungraded |
Capitation remuneration vs Fee-for-service remuneration Measures of health service utilisation: mean number of visits per 0- to 15-year-old · Children (0- to 15-year-olds) undergoing routine continuing dental care at 354 dental practices, in matched pairs of… · 3 years, Rural community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | MD -0.3 | 1 study · 2250 participants | Low |
Fluoride varnish vs Placebo or no treatment Caries increment in permanent teeth: decayed, (missing) and filled tooth surfaces D(M)FS (prevented fraction) · Children and adolescents aged 16 years or less · At least 1 year Fluoride varnishes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | PF 0.43 [0.30, 0.57] | 13 studies · 6478 participants | Moderate |
2 mm locking titanium plates vs 2 mm non-locking titanium plates Drop-out rate due to protocol deviation · Adults (16 to 68 years) with mandibular fractures excluding condylar involvement Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures (2013) · Cochrane | Early premature removal of IMF (from hours up to 2 weeks) was reported in 13 of the 90 participants analysed (Collins 2004); participants released their own IMF or reported that "the wires fell off". | 1 study · 90 participants | Ungraded |
Fluorescence camera (FC; VistaProof) vs Reference standard (histological examination, operative intervention, or other/visual examination) Diagnostic accuracy (pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, summary-ROC AUC) · Permanent teeth, occlusal surfaces, with suspected caries lesions · Initial caries lesions threshold Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, PLR, NLR and summary-ROC AUC reported qualitatively (Figure 6); accuracy similar among the three methods (very low inconsistency). Heterogeneity I2=0%. Numeric pooled values not… | NR | Ungraded |
Capitation remuneration vs Fee-for-service remuneration Patient outcomes: mean percentage of 0- to 15-year-olds having one or more teeth extracted · Children (0- to 15-year-olds) undergoing routine continuing dental care at 354 dental practices, in matched pairs of… · 3 years, Northern urban community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | RR 0.72 | 1 study · 2250 participants | Low |
Capitation remuneration vs Fee-for-service remuneration Measures of clinical activity: mean percentage of 0- to 15-year-olds receiving active preventive advice · Children (0- to 15-year-olds) undergoing routine continuing dental care at 354 dental practices, in matched pairs of… · 3 years, Scottish community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | RR 1.32 | 1 study · 2250 participants | Low |
Laser fluorescence (LF; DIAGNOdent) vs Reference standard (histological examination, operative intervention, or other/visual examination) Diagnostic accuracy (pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, summary-ROC AUC) · Primary teeth, occlusal surfaces, with suspected caries lesions · More advanced (dentine/cavitated) caries lesions threshold Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, PLR, NLR and summary-ROC AUC reported qualitatively (Figure 7); pooled DOR lowest for LF among the three methods. Heterogeneity I2=23%. Numeric pooled values not available in the… | NR | Ungraded |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Headgear (extraoral appliance) Change in overjet (mm) · Children and adolescents (aged 16 years or less at the start of treatment) undergoing orthodontic treatment to… Orthodontic treatment for distalising upper first molars in children and adolescents (2013) · Cochrane | MD 1.64 [1.26, 2.02] | 2 studies · 70 participants | Low |