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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
2 mm titanium plates vs 2.5 mm bioresorbable plates Post-operative pain (residual pain, any severity) · Adults (16 to 68 years) with mandibular fractures excluding condylar involvement · 1 month Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures (2013) · Cochrane | RR 1.26 [0.57, 2.82] | 1 study · 40 participants | Ungraded |
Fluorescence camera (FC) vs Reference standard Initial caries lesion detection · Primary teeth with occlusal surfaces · Initial caries lesion threshold, FC, occlusal, primary teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.815 [0.713, 0.892] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (LF) vs Reference standard Initial caries lesion detection · Primary teeth with occlusal surfaces · Initial caries lesion threshold, LF, occlusal, primary teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.838 [0.810, 0.864] | 14 studies | Ungraded |
Any intervention to manage relapse: fixed options (labial braces, lingual braces, fixed lingual wire) or removable options (Hawley's retainer with spring elastomeric module, Bloore removable aligner, other Hawley's retainer modifications, Invisalign, Clearstep) vs Another such intervention or no active treatment; all interventions compared against each other in any combination Aesthetic assessment by participants and practitioners · Participants who previously underwent orthodontic treatment, with subsequent crowding (relapse) of the lower front… Interventions for managing relapse of the lower front teeth after orthodontic treatment (2013) · Cochrane | No RCTs met the inclusion criteria for this review. After deduplication, the electronic searching identified 527 publications; after reviewing the titles and abstracts, none focused on interventions to correct the… | 0 studies | No studies |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen; DIAGNOdent pen) vs Reference standard (histological examination, operative intervention, or other/visual examination) Diagnostic accuracy (pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, summary-ROC AUC) · Primary teeth, approximal 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 8); LFpen showed higher pooled DOR at the more advanced threshold. Heterogeneity I2=89%. Numeric pooled values not… | NR | 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, Northern urban community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | MD -0.4 | 1 study · 2250 participants | Low |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Headgear (extraoral appliance) Number of attendances required to complete treatment · 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 | Number of attendances required to complete treatment was not reported by these studies. | 0 studies | No studies |
Capitation remuneration vs Fee-for-service remuneration Patient outcomes: mean number of filled teeth 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, Scottish community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | MD -0.28 | 1 study · 2250 participants | Low |
Intervention NR Risk of caries occurrence · Main analysis; GIC-based (Mat 2) Validity of sealant retention as surrogate for caries prevention--a systematic review. (2013) | Mean risk (proportion of sealed teeth) 0.12 (SD 0.08) | 22 studies | Ungraded |
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) Development of post-radiotherapy dental complications (caries, fractured teeth, periapical infection, periodontal disease, osteoradionecrosis) · 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 |
PDHA program vs Baseline pre-intervention scenario School-based oral health promotion services · Alaska children · 20 years Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Percentage receiving services >90% | 1 study | Ungraded |
Zygomatic implants for retaining a maxillary obturator vs Non-implant retained obturators, local and regional flaps, or microvascular free flaps Outcome NR · Patients requiring maxillary reconstruction after partial or total maxillectomy (cancer patients) · 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 |
Laser fluorescence (LF) vs Reference standard Initial caries lesion detection · Primary teeth with occlusal surfaces · Initial caries lesion threshold, LF, occlusal, primary teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Sensitivity 0.622 [0.592, 0.651] | 14 studies | Ungraded |
Electrostimulation (device) vs Placebo (sham/placebo device) Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) · Adults with dry mouth due to Sjogren's Syndrome · End of treatment (4 weeks) Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | MD 0.02 [-0.12, 0.16] | 1 study · 24 participants | Very low |
PDHA program vs Baseline pre-intervention scenario Significant caries index · Alaska children · 20 years, Children Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Percent reduction in SiC index 50 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Root canal medicaments vs No medicaments, placebo, or a different type of medicament 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 root canal medicaments: this was compared with no medicaments, placebo and different types of medicaments. Main results: No randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials were found; no study was included in… | 0 studies | No studies |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard Initial caries lesion detection · Primary teeth with occlusal surfaces · Initial caries lesion threshold, LFpen, occlusal, primary teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.718 [0.637, 0.791] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Acupuncture vs Placebo (sham acupuncture) Adverse events · 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 | Acupuncture was associated with more adverse effects (tiny bruises and tiredness, mild and temporary); List 1998 noted significant eye discomfort; Pfister 2010 reported temporary increases in pain, minor bruising or… | 4 studies | Ungraded |
DHAT-delivered dental care vs Dentist-delivered dental care Amalgam preparation deficiency · Alaska dental health aide therapists Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Number of deficient DHAT amalgam preparations 2 | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Electrostimulation (device) vs Placebo (sham/placebo device) Duration of effectiveness · Adults with dry mouth due to Sjogren's Syndrome Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | no estimate extracted | 0 studies | No studies |
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, Scottish community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | RR 0.93 | 1 study · 2250 participants | Low |
Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) vs Reference standard (histological examination, operative intervention, or other/visual examination) Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, DOR) - not pooled · Permanent teeth (occlusal and smooth surfaces), with suspected caries lesions · Initial and more advanced caries lesions thresholds Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Only three articles using QLF were included (all permanent teeth); no meta-analysis could be performed. Individual studies reported high sensitivity or high specificity depending on threshold and surface. | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Plaque (plaque indices; standardised across indices) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older · 3 months (12 weeks) Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | SMD -2.14 [-5.25, 0.97] | 2 studies · 107 participants | Very low |
Visual screening (oral visual inspection) by trained health workers vs No screening Stage at diagnosis (early-stage detection) · Apparently healthy adults aged 35 years or older (general population), living in 13 clusters in rural areas of… · 15-year follow-up, High-risk individuals (tobacco and/or alcohol users) Screening programmes for the early detection and prevention of oral cancer (2013) · Cochrane | RR 0.82 [0.71, 0.95] | 1 study · 486 participants | 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 proportion of caries-free children (5-18 years) · Alaska Native children (below age 18) · 20-year projection, PDHA + robust prevention model Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Caries-free children 5-18 y (%) >50 | 1 study | 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) · Primary 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 7); accuracy similar among the three methods. Heterogeneity I2=0%. Numeric pooled values not available in the provided… | NR | 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 · 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 6); pooled DOR for FC among the higher values, exceeding LFpen. Heterogeneity I2=17%. Numeric pooled values not… | NR | Ungraded |
PDHA program vs Baseline pre-intervention scenario Significant caries index · Alaska children aged 12 years · 20 years, Age 12 years Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Percent reduction in SiC index 70 | 1 study | 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, Commuter suburb community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | MD 6.18 | 1 study · 276414 participants | Low |
Capitation remuneration vs Fee-for-service remuneration Patient outcomes: mean number of filled teeth 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, Northern urban community The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists (2013) · Cochrane | MD -0.18 | 1 study · 2250 participants | Low |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Periodontitis (clinical attachment loss) · 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 periodontitis as an outcome. (See comment) | 0 studies | No studies |
Primary dental health aide (PDHA) service-delivery models (PDHA program; PDHA + intensive staffing; PDHA + robust prevention) vs Baseline pre-intervention service-delivery scenario Projected proportion of caries-free children (5-18 years) · Alaska Native children (below age 18) · 20-year projection, PDHA or PDHA + intensive staffing model Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Caries-free children 5-18 y (%) 8 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Another (different) intraoral distalising 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 | SoF table 3. Assumed risk "Not estimated"; Corresponding risk "Not estimated"; Relative effect "Meta-analysis not appropriate". Quality: very low. Comment: "No pooled estimate due to different types of appliances used… | 2 studies · 70 participants | Very low |
Dental care provided by dental health aide therapists (DHATs, mid-level providers) vs Dental care provided by dentists (or no comparison group) Technical performance / deficient restorations (DHATs vs dentists) · Alaska Native dental patients (children aged 6-17 and adults) and their caregivers · Cross-sectional (DHATs practising ~9 months to several years), Composite restorations Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Deficient restorations (%), DHAT vs dentist 15 vs 12 (DHAT vs dentist) | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard Initial caries lesion detection · Permanent teeth with occlusal surfaces · Initial caries lesion threshold, LFpen, occlusal, permanent teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Sensitivity 0.749 [0.715, 0.781] | 9 studies | Ungraded |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen; DIAGNOdent pen) 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 LF, LFpen and FC. Heterogeneity I2=54%. Numeric pooled values not available in the provided… | NR | Ungraded |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard More advanced caries lesion detection · Permanent teeth with approximal surfaces · More advanced caries lesion threshold, LFpen, approximal, permanent teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Sensitivity 0.750 [0.641, 0.840] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Chlorhexidine and xylitol chewing gum vs Placebo intervention Infant dental caries · Pregnant Alaska Native women and their infants · Trial discontinued Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | no estimate extracted | 1 study | Ungraded |
Acupuncture vs Placebo (sham acupuncture) Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) · Adults with dry mouth due to radiotherapy (head and neck cancer) or Sjogren's Syndrome · End of treatment (4-6 weeks) Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non‐pharmacological interventions (2013) · Cochrane | MD 0.02 [0, 0.04] | 3 studies · 71 participants | Low |
Laser fluorescence (LF) vs Reference standard More advanced caries lesion detection · Primary teeth with occlusal surfaces · More advanced caries lesion threshold, LF, occlusal, primary teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.816 [0.793, 0.837] | 13 studies | Ungraded |
Orthodontic distalising appliance (intraoral or extraoral) vs Untreated control (no treatment) Adverse effects (headgear injuries, gum health, tooth damage/decay, root resorption) · 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 | Adverse effects were not reported in the studies of this comparison; no included study across the review reported adverse effects, harm or injury. | 0 studies | No studies |
Ibuprofen (single postoperative oral dose; 200 mg to 512 mg) vs Paracetamol (acetaminophen) (single postoperative oral dose; 600 mg to 1000 mg) Patients using rescue medication at 8 hours · Patients with pain after surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth (third molars) requiring bone removal or with baseline… · 8 hours postdosing Ibuprofen and/or paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain relief after surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth (2013) · Cochrane | RR 2.02 [1.57, 2.60] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Combined paracetamol plus ibuprofen in a single tablet (e.g. paracetamol 1000 mg/ibuprofen 400 mg or 500/200 mg) vs Single drugs given separately (paracetamol 1000 mg or ibuprofen 400 mg) Patients not using rescue medication at 8 hours · Patients with pain after surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth (third molars) requiring bone removal or with baseline… · 8 hours postdosing, Paracetamol 1000/500 mg/ibuprofen 400/200 mg vs single constituent drugs Ibuprofen and/or paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain relief after surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth (2013) · Cochrane | RR 1.60 [1.36, 1.88] | 2 studies · 467 participants | High |
Intraoral distalising appliance vs Another (different) intraoral distalising 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 | SoF table 3. Assumed risk "Not estimated"; Corresponding risk "Not estimated"; Relative effect "Meta-analysis not appropriate". Quality: very low. Comment: "No pooled estimate due to different types of appliances used… | 2 studies · 70 participants | Very low |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Plaque (Quigley & Hein plaque index, Turesky modification; scale 0 to 5) · Dentate adults aged 16 years and older · 4 weeks (1 month) Interdental brushing for the prevention and control of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults (2013) · Cochrane | MD -0.95 [-1.34, -0.56] | 1 study · 62 participants | Very low |
Fluorescence imaging / light-based techniques 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 |
Triclosan/copolymer-containing fluoride toothpaste vs Fluoride toothpaste without triclosan Plaque at 6 to 7 months (Loe-Silness Plaque Index) · Children and adults (aged 16 years or less = children, over 16 = adults) without periodontitis at baseline; in… · 6 to 7 months Triclosan/copolymer containing toothpastes for oral health (2013) · Cochrane | MD -0.05 [-0.10, -0.01] | 2 studies · 148 participants | Ungraded |
Community and caregiver oral health education plus media campaign vs Pre-intervention BBTD rate Baby bottle tooth decay prevalence · Alaska Native and American Indian Head Start children · 3 years, Low-intensity training Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions… (2013) | Percent reduction in BBTD prevalence 27 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Immediate mobilization vs 2 weeks delayed mobilization (IMF) Post-operative adverse events and complications · Adults with mandibular fractures excluding condyles (fixed with 2 mm titanium miniplates) Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures (2013) · Cochrane | One wound separation and one infection in the immediate-mobilization group. Inferior alveolar nerve status (scale 1 to 3) showed no significant difference at 6 weeks (P=0.76), 3 months (P=0.87) or 6 months (P=0.99).… | 1 study | Ungraded |
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy vs No HBO therapy Cost effectiveness · Patients who have had radiotherapy and who have missing teeth that require replacement with osseointegrated dental… Interventions for replacing missing teeth: hyperbaric oxygen therapy for irradiated patients who require… (2013) · Cochrane | Cost effectiveness data were not presented but it was possible to extrapolate this. | 0 studies | No studies |