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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.
5,762 questions in 263 reviews · Dental caries
current versionsNo studies 321 · 5.6%Ungraded 4,450 · 77.2%Very low 455 · 7.9%Low 297 · 5.2%Moderate 200 · 3.5%High 39 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Intervention NR Mean dmft · Nationals in public day cares (El Batawi) Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | MEAN 0.8 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.83 [0.70, 0.92] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Dental imaging (analog or digital radiographs) vs Visual classification Difference in specificity · Children or adults asymptomatic or suspected of enamel caries; extracted teeth · Analysis 1: fully within-person comparison Enamel Caries Detection and Diagnosis: An Analysis of Systematic Reviews. (2021) | Difference in specificity 0.06 [-0.04, 0.19] | 19 studies · 2849 participants | Ungraded |
Micro-invasive treatment (resin infiltration or sealing) vs Non-invasive / control treatment Radiographic proximal caries lesion progression · Patients with non-cavitated proximal (approximal) caries lesions (primary or permanent dentition) · Longest available follow-up, Caries risk: moderate to high Infiltration and sealing for managing non-cavitated proximal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2021) | OR 0.17 [0.10, 0.29] | 4 studies | Ungraded |
Beta-thalassemia major vs Healthy Emirati children Calculus prevalence · Children with beta-thalassemia major in Dubai · Children with beta-thalassemia major Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | Prevalence 28.9 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) vs Healthy controls without IBD Periodontal disease (periodontitis) coincidence · Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and controls without IBD; mostly adults (one pediatric study), both sexes Oral Health Status in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review. (2021) | OR 2.49 [1.97, 3.15] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Digital bitewing radiography, sensor-based (CCD/CMOS) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.55 [0.42, 0.67] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Intervention NR Dental caries prevalence · General population in Ethiopia (all ages, age range 6-100 years) · Tigray Dental caries and associated factors in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis. (2021) | Prevalence 0.4659 [0.2464, 0.6854] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 5.85 [1.77, 19.30] | 4 studies | Ungraded |
Conventional bitewing radiography, E-speed film vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 6.80 [4.58, 10.10] | 9 studies | Ungraded |
Digital bitewing radiography (phosphor plates) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.48 [0.24, 0.73] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Radiographic imaging methods (any: analogue radiographs, digital radiographs, or CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination) Specificity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Primary dentition (non-CBCT) Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane | Specificity 0.87 [0.77, 0.93] | NR | Ungraded |
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination) Sensitivity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Proximal surfaces (CBCT) Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane | Sensitivity 0.68 [0.42, 0.86] | NR | Ungraded |
Conventional bitewing radiography, E-speed film vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.92 | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Observed population vs Not applicable Tooth brushing less than once daily, males in 2016 · Nationally surveyed adolescents in the United Arab Emirates · Overall Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | Prevalence 46.1 | 1 study · 24220 participants | Ungraded |
Fibre-optic transillumination (FOTI) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.97 [-0.92, 0.99] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 30.79 [8.74, 108.51] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.79 [0.62, 0.90] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Visual examination (VE) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.85 [0.74, 0.92] | 9 studies | Ungraded |
Maternal smoking during pregnancy vs No maternal smoking during pregnancy Dental caries · Children · Children's age: 3 years or younger Correlation Between Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Dental Caries in Children: A Systematic Review and… (2021) | OR 1.71 [1.34, 2.16] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Autism spectrum disorder vs Not applicable Poor oral hygiene prevalence · Autistic children and young adults in Dubai · Overall Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | Prevalence 59 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Conventional bitewing radiography (F-speed film) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 23.60 [8.28, 67.24] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Dental caries (ascertained mostly by WHO criteria/DMFT; also CAST, ICDAS, or clinical examination) vs None (descriptive prevalence meta-analysis) Dental caries prevalence · General Pakistani population (all ages and both sexes; predominantly children and adolescents) · Dentition: primary Prevalence of dental caries in Pakistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2021) | Prevalence 50.493 [43.867, 57.110] | NR | Ungraded |
Autism spectrum disorder vs Healthy counterparts Dental-care visit prevalence · Children with autism spectrum disorder in Dubai · Overall Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | Prevalence 65 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Non-selective carious tissue removal and conventional restoration (CR) vs Hall Technique (sealing with a preformed metal crown) Efficiency, costs or cost-effectiveness · Children and/or adults with permanent or primary teeth, vital (sensitive) pulps, and cavitated or dentine carious… · Primary dentition Interventions for treating cavitated or dentine carious lesions (2021) · Cochrane | Cost-effectiveness reported narratively: HT found more cost-effective than CR in primary teeth (Innes 2011; Santamaria 2018); not GRADE-rated. | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) vs Digital radiographs (direct within-person / paired comparison); reference standard: histology Specificity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Digital Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane | Specificity 0.76 [0.43, 0.93] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Intervention NR Dental caries prevalence · General population in Ethiopia (all ages, age range 6-100 years) Dental caries and associated factors in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis. (2021) | Prevalence 0.4098 [0.3162, 0.5034] | 13 studies · 6950 participants | Ungraded |
Electrical conductance devices (electronic caries monitor (ECM) and/or CarieScan Pro), used as an adjunct to clinical oral examination vs Reference standard: histology or enhanced visual examination (with or without radiographs) Outcome NR · Teeth with previously applied restorations (secondary caries) or pit and fissure sealants; target condition =… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies) Electrical conductance for the detection of dental caries (2021) · Cochrane | No eligible studies. 'No included studies reported inclusion criteria of previously applied restorations or pit and fissure sealants' (a planned subgroup). | 0 studies | No studies |
Clear aligners (Invisalign / thermoformed aligners) vs Fixed appliances Simplified gingival index (s-GI) · Adolescents/teenagers undergoing orthodontic treatment · 1 month, Adolescents Impact of Aligners and Fixed Appliances on Oral Health during Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review and… (2021) | MD -8.46 [-10.47, -6.45] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Visual examination (VE) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.76 [0.11, 0.99] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Poor / no tooth brushing habit vs Good tooth brushing habit Dental caries (presence) · Individuals in East Africa assessed for dental caries Prevalence of Dental Caries and Associated Factors in East Africa, 2000-2020: Systematic Review and… (2021) | OR 1.967 [1.205, 3.211] | 10 studies · 4927 participants | Ungraded |
Visual examination (VE) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.47 [0.26, 0.70] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Conventional bitewing radiography (D-speed film) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.75 [0.68, 0.82] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Observed population vs Not applicable Mean dmft/DMFT · School children aged 12-14 years in Dubai schools · Overall Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | MEAN 1.83 | 1 study · 2237 participants | Ungraded |
Lower parental (maternal/paternal) education vs Higher parental education Dental caries · Healthy children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | Maternal education was not associated with children's caries in the Hashim et al. studies, whereas father's educational level was negatively associated with DMFT in Khadri et al. (secondary-aged children: -0.35, 95% CI… | NR | Ungraded |
Leukemia (oral health status) vs None (descriptive; compared by treatment location) Oral health problems (mucositis, caries, candidiasis) · Children with leukemia in the United Arab Emirates Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | Alnuaimi et al. reported a 60% prevalence of oral problems (mostly oral mucositis/ulceration, then dental caries and oral candidiasis) among children with leukemia; prevalence was not associated with age, gender,… | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 35.90 [13.43, 96.00] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Fluorescence-based devices vs Visual classification Difference in specificity · Children or adults asymptomatic or suspected of enamel caries; extracted teeth · Analysis 1: fully within-person comparison Enamel Caries Detection and Diagnosis: An Analysis of Systematic Reviews. (2021) | Difference in specificity -0.03 [-0.09, 0.16] | 19 studies · 2849 participants | Ungraded |
Clear aligners (Invisalign / thermoformed aligners) vs Fixed appliances Lactobacilli presence (CFU > 10^5) · Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment · 6 months, Adults Impact of Aligners and Fixed Appliances on Oral Health during Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review and… (2021) | RR 0.19 [0.08, 0.45] | 2 studies · 140 participants | Low |
Conventional bitewing radiography (D-speed film) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.58 [0.42, 0.72] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Fluoride concentration relative to the acceptable range (electrometric ion-selective electrode measurement; acceptable range mostly 0.6-0.8 ppmF) vs None (descriptive proportion meta-analysis) Water samples with fluoride concentration above the acceptable range · Artificially fluoridated public water supply in Brazilian cities (water samples under external control) · Region: Southeast Brazil External control of fluoridation in the public water supplies of Brazilian cities as a strategy against… (2021) | Prevalence 11.5 | NR | Ungraded |
COE with light-based detection (e.g. ViziLite Plus, Microlux/DL, VELscope, Identafi 3000) vs Reference standard: examination and clinical evaluation by a physician/clinician with specialist knowledge or training (long-term follow-up accepted for those screened negative) Outcome NR · Apparently healthy adults not reporting symptoms of OPMD or OSCC, attending an organised screening or surveillance… Clinical assessment for the detection of oral cavity cancer and potentially malignant disorders in… (2021) · Cochrane | There were no eligible studies evaluating light-based detection. | 0 studies | No studies |
Low family income vs High family income Severe early childhood caries · Children aged 5-6 years in Ajman schools · Overall Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | OR 1.43 [1.11, 1.85] | 1 study · 1036 participants | Ungraded |
Dental fluorosis assessment vs None (descriptive prevalence review) Dental fluorosis prevalence · School-aged children in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | Ahmad et al. (Dubai, school-aged children; n=779) reported dental fluorosis in 10.9%, mostly very mild or mild (Table 2). | 1 study · 779 participants | Ungraded |
Sugary or carbonated beverages vs Water Dental erosion · Five-year-old preschool children in Sharjah · Overall Oral Health of Children and Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Systematic Review of the Past Decade. (2021) | OR 0.30 [0.19, 0.41] | 1 study · 403 participants | Ungraded |
Rubber dam isolation vs Isolite system Costs: operation/chair time · Dental patients undergoing restorative treatment (no age or gender restriction) · Pit and fissure sealing (permanent molars) Rubber dam isolation for restorative treatment in dental patients (2021) · Cochrane | MD 9.36 [8.42, 10.30] | 1 study · 42 participants | Very low |
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) vs Reference standard (histology, excavation, or enhanced visual examination) Specificity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies) Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane | Specificity 0.81 [0.73, 0.88] | 7 studies | Ungraded |
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) vs Digital radiographs (direct within-person / paired comparison); reference standard: histology Sensitivity for detection and diagnosis of early (enamel) caries · Asymptomatic children, adolescents, or adults presenting for clinical examination (in vivo studies), or extracted… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), CBCT Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries (2021) · Cochrane | Sensitivity 0.76 [0.65, 0.85] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Fluoride-releasing compomer-based bonding agent vs Non-fluoride compomer-based bonding agent Initiation of white spot lesions (WSL), visual-tactile assessment · Patients of any age (11-40 years) receiving comprehensive/fixed orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances · 1-24 months follow-up, Compomer-based bonding agents Efficacy of sealants and bonding materials during fixed orthodontic treatment to prevent enamel… (2021) | RR 0.71 [0.46, 1.11] | 2 studies · 400 participants | Ungraded |
Conventional bitewing radiography (E-speed film) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.94 [0.46, 0.996] | 1 study | Ungraded |