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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.

Limit to evidence status or GRADE (optional)

5,762 questions in 263 reviews · Dental caries

current versions
No 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.

QuestionEffectEvidenceStatus / GRADE
AG + GG genotype (G-allele carriers) of ENAM rs1264848 vs AA genotype of ENAM rs1264848
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Ethnicity: Mixed
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 1.69 [0.78, 3.68]1 studyUngraded
Intervention NR
Microleakage/infiltration index: Er,Cr:YSGG vs traditional bur · Geraldo-Martins 2013 (excluded from meta-analysis; higher microleakage with Er,Cr:YSGG)
Does Er,Cr:YSGG reduce the microleakage of restorations when used for cavity preparation? A systematic… (2020)
Qualitative NR [NR, NR]1 studyUngraded
CT genotype of AMELX rs17878486 vs CC genotype of AMELX rs17878486
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Age group: Children
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 1.72 [0.37, 7.92]3 studiesUngraded
Fluoride varnish applied biannually vs Fissure sealant (resin-based or glass ionomer)
Caries incidence of first permanent molars (FPMs) · Generally healthy children aged 6 to 9 years with at least one fully erupted first permanent molar with deep fissures… · 2 to 3 years
Comparison between Fissure Sealant and Fluoride Varnish on Caries Prevention for First Permanent Molars: a… (2020)
RR 1.29 [0.95, 1.75]6 studies · 6878 participantsUngraded
Intervention NR
Marginal integrity success rate · Assessor blinding (triple-blind): Yes
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.857 [0.785, 0.908]16 studiesUngraded
Intervention NR
Dental caries in permanent teeth · Children (permanent dentition) worldwide · Africa
Dental caries in primary and permanent teeth in children's worldwide, 1995 to 2019: a systematic review and… (2020)
Prevalence 0.589 [0.294, 0.831]5 studies · 2794 participantsUngraded
Spectra caries detection device (Air Techniques; blue fluorescence) vs Reference standard: histology, enhanced visual examination with or without radiographs, or excavation
Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) for detection of early enamel caries (D1 threshold) · Children or adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of having enamel caries (in vivo/clinical studies);… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies)
Fluorescence devices for the detection of dental caries (2020) · Cochrane
The Spectra caries detection device fits into the blue fluorescence category but no studies provided data for inclusion in the meta-analysis (Markowitz 2015).1 studyUngraded
rs1126478, co-dominant model (GA genotype) vs GG or AA genotype
Dental caries · Human subjects with dental caries and caries-free controls · Co-dominant model (GA vs. GG + AA)
The association between genetic variants in lactotransferrin and dental caries: a meta- and gene-based… (2020)
OR 0.97 [0.72, 1.32]4 studies · 1802 participantsUngraded
Intervention NR
Marginal integrity success rate · Material type: High-viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC)
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.743 [0.553, 0.871]5 studiesUngraded
Tooth-coloured direct restorative materials (composite, compomer, giomer, RMGIC, HVGIC, open-sandwich) vs No comparator group (single-arm pooled success rate; materials/techniques contrasted via moderator analyses)
Retention success rate · Children with primary molars requiring proximal (Class II) restorations · 24 months, Use of coat: Yes
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.904 [0.474, 0.989]3 studiesUngraded
GERD/NERD vs Healthy controls
Oral mucosa inflammation · Adults
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, gastroesophageal reflux and dental disorders: A systematic review. (2020)
no estimate extracted5 studiesUngraded
Tooth-coloured direct restorative materials (composite, compomer, giomer, RMGIC, HVGIC, open-sandwich) vs No comparator group (single-arm pooled success rate; materials/techniques contrasted via moderator analyses)
Retention success rate · Children with primary molars requiring proximal (Class II) restorations · 24 months, Material type: Resin-based material + total-etching adhesion
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.949 [0.868, 0.981]7 studiesUngraded
Tooth-coloured direct restorative materials (composite, compomer, giomer, RMGIC, HVGIC, open-sandwich) vs No comparator group (single-arm pooled success rate; materials/techniques contrasted via moderator analyses)
Retention success rate · Children with primary molars requiring proximal (Class II) restorations · 24 months, Use of cavity conditioner: Yes
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.826 [0.605, 0.937]10 studiesUngraded
Intervention NR
Prevalence of GERD/reflux (esophagitis or positive pH testing) · Adults with dental erosion
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, gastroesophageal reflux and dental disorders: A systematic review. (2020)
Four studies reported the prevalence of GERD/reflux findings among patients with dental erosion, ranging from 64% to 75% (Bartlett 64% pathological distal reflux; Gudmundsson 75% esophagitis; Wilder-Smith 69% GERD at…3 studiesUngraded
GERD vs Healthy controls
Dental caries · Adults
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, gastroesophageal reflux and dental disorders: A systematic review. (2020)
no estimate extracted3 studiesUngraded
Home or in-office bleaching vs No bleaching
Caries susceptibility, enamel demineralisation, erosion, or microhardness · Permanent teeth or extracted human teeth with artificial lesions · Varied or not stated
Is Bleaching Effective in Managing Post-orthodontic White-spot Lesions? A Systematic Review. (2020)
no estimate extracted5 studiesUngraded
TT genotype of AMELX rs946252 vs CC + CT genotype of AMELX rs946252
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Control group: Caries-free
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 0.73 [0.19, 2.87]2 studiesUngraded
CT + TT genotype (T-allele carriers) of AMELX rs17878486 vs CC genotype of AMELX rs17878486
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Control group: Low caries
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 3.43 [1.21, 9.75]2 studiesUngraded
G allele of LTF rs1126478 vs A allele of LTF rs1126478
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Control group: Caries-free
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 0.98 [0.87, 1.10]4 studiesUngraded
AG + GG genotype (G-allele carriers) of ENAM rs3796704 vs AA genotype of ENAM rs3796704
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Overall
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 1.64 [0.86, 3.14]4 studies · 1107 participantsUngraded
No additional acid etching (etch-and-rinse adhesive alone) after Er,Cr:YSGG preparation vs Prior acid etching before etch-and-rinse adhesive after Er,Cr:YSGG preparation
Incidence of microleakage · Er,Cr:YSGG laser-prepared cavities restored with etch-and-rinse adhesive systems (in vitro)
Does Er,Cr:YSGG reduce the microleakage of restorations when used for cavity preparation? A systematic… (2020)
RR 1.18 [0.63, 2.22]2 studiesUngraded
T allele of AMELX rs17878486 vs C allele of AMELX rs17878486
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Control group: Low caries
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 1.82 [1.06, 3.11]2 studiesUngraded
Resin-based fissure sealant plus fluoride varnish vs Fluoride varnish alone
Number of visits to the dentist for repair of sealant or fluoride varnish application · Children and adolescents from the general population, younger than 20 years of age at the start of the study
Pit and fissure sealants versus fluoride varnishes for preventing dental decay in the permanent teeth of… (2020) · Cochrane
The study (Splieth 2001) did not measure the number of visits to the dentist for repair of sealant or fluoride varnish application.0 studiesNo studies
Tooth-coloured direct restorative materials (composite, compomer, giomer, RMGIC, HVGIC, open-sandwich) vs No comparator group (single-arm pooled success rate; materials/techniques contrasted via moderator analyses)
Retention success rate · Children with primary molars requiring proximal (Class II) restorations · 24 months, Trim-and-fill adjusted (publication-bias sensitivity)
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.839 [0.764, 0.893]34 (27 observed + 7 imputed) studiesUngraded
T allele of AMELX rs6639060 vs C allele of AMELX rs6639060
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Ethnicity: Caucasian
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 1.08 [0.63, 1.85]1 studyUngraded
Gastroesophageal or laryngopharyngeal reflux (GERD/LPR) vs Healthy individuals (controls)
Salivary function impairment (buffering capacity, flow rate, oral pH) · Adults with GERD/LPR reflux
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, gastroesophageal reflux and dental disorders: A systematic review. (2020)
Mixed/controversial salivary findings: reduced salivary buffering capacity supported in three studies (Correa, Holbrook, Filipi) with low oral pH and reduced flow as additional factors in GERD patients, but Meurman and Schroeder found no significant salivary abnormalities; no pooled estimate.6 studiesUngraded
Intervention NR
Anatomic form success rate · Cavity form: Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART)
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.749 [0.606, 0.853]6 studiesUngraded
All fluorescence-based devices (red, blue, and green fluorescence combined) vs Reference standard: histology, enhanced visual examination with or without radiographs, or excavation
Diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) by subgroup: Permanent/mixed dentition (detection of early enamel caries, D1 threshold) · Children or adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of having enamel caries (in vivo/clinical studies);… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies), Permanent/mixed dentition
Fluorescence devices for the detection of dental caries (2020) · Cochrane
DOR 15.21 [11.35, 20.37]NRUngraded
TT genotype of AMELX rs17878486 vs CC + CT genotype of AMELX rs17878486
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Age group: Children
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 3.55 [0.72, 17.60]3 studiesUngraded
Intervention NR
Absence of recurrent caries success rate · Random assignment: No/Incorrect
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.899 [0.828, 0.943]15 studiesUngraded
Intervention NR
Marginal integrity success rate · Material type: Resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC)
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.927 [0.843, 0.968]6 studiesUngraded
Younger children's age (3-5 years) vs Older children (>5 years)
Poor oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) · Children aged 3-12 years · Age 3 years
The Association of Oral Health Status, demographic characteristics and socioeconomic determinants with Oral… (2020)
OR 2.00 [1.42, 2.57]2 studiesUngraded
LTF rs1126478 AG + GG genotype vs AA genotype
Dental caries susceptibility · Age group: Children (n=4) individuals with caries/high caries and controls · Age group: Children (n=4)
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 0.99 [0.81, 1.23]4 studiesUngraded
T allele of AMELX rs6639060 vs C allele of AMELX rs6639060
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Age group: Adults
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 1.08 [0.63, 1.85]1 studyUngraded
G allele of ENAM rs1264848 vs A allele of ENAM rs1264848
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Control group: Low caries
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 1.03 [0.83, 1.29]2 studiesUngraded
ENAM rs3796703 T allele vs C allele
Dental caries susceptibility · Ethnicity: Asian (n=2) individuals with caries/high caries and controls · Ethnicity: Asian (n=2)
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 0.92 [0.24, 3.58]2 studiesUngraded
TT genotype of AMELX rs2106416 vs CC genotype of AMELX rs2106416
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Overall
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 1.83 [0.47, 7.06]3 studies · 285 participantsUngraded
TT genotype of ENAM rs3796703 vs CC + CT genotype of ENAM rs3796703
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Overall
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 2.90 [0.92, 9.12]2 studies · 1152 participantsUngraded
Gastroesophageal or laryngopharyngeal reflux (GERD/LPR) vs Healthy individuals (controls)
Oral/pharyngeal microbiota modifications · Adults with GERD/LPR reflux
Laryngopharyngeal reflux, gastroesophageal reflux and dental disorders: A systematic review. (2020)
no estimate extracted0 studiesNo studies
ENAM rs3796703 CT + TT genotype vs CC genotype
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals with caries/high caries and caries-free or low-caries controls · Overall (n=2)
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 0.90 [0.23, 3.63]2 studies · 1152 participantsUngraded
Low birth weight (<2500 g) vs Normal birth weight (2500 g or more)
Early childhood caries (ECC) · Children aged 6 years or younger (preschool children) · Children aged 3 years or younger
Relationship between preterm, low birth weight and early childhood caries: a meta-analysis of the… (2020)
OR 0.78 [0.24, 2.51]3 studiesUngraded
AMELX rs2106416 T allele vs C allele
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals with caries/high caries and caries-free or low-caries controls · Overall (n=3)
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 0.59 [0.16, 2.11]3 studies · 285 participantsUngraded
rs1126478 genotype distribution vs Caries-free control genotype distribution
Dental caries (by severity) · Human subjects stratified by dental caries severity and caries-free controls · Moderate caries (DMFT 2 to 3); Volckova et al. 2014
The association between genetic variants in lactotransferrin and dental caries: a meta- and gene-based… (2020)
OR 1.04 [0.80, 1.34]1 studyUngraded
Tooth-coloured direct restorative materials (composite, compomer, giomer, RMGIC, HVGIC, open-sandwich) vs No comparator group (single-arm pooled success rate; materials/techniques contrasted via moderator analyses)
Retention success rate · Children with primary molars requiring proximal (Class II) restorations · 24 months, Cavity form: Conventional cavity design
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.936 [0.895, 0.961]19 studiesUngraded
Intervention NR
Anatomic form success rate · Random assignment: Correct
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.912 [0.809, 0.962]10 studiesUngraded
Tooth-coloured direct restorative materials (composite, compomer, giomer, RMGIC, HVGIC, open-sandwich) vs No comparator group (single-arm pooled success rate; materials/techniques contrasted via moderator analyses)
Retention success rate · Children with primary molars requiring proximal (Class II) restorations · 24 months, Study design: Randomized controlled trial
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.854 [0.718, 0.931]15 studiesUngraded
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent and DIAGNOdent pen) vs Reference standard: histology (in vitro studies) or visual-tactile examination (in vivo studies)
Specificity · Adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of having root caries (in vivo studies); extracted teeth of adults (in…
Tests to detect and inform the diagnosis of root caries (2020) · Cochrane
4 studies (4997 root surfaces) investigated laser fluorescence and reported estimates of sensitivity ranging from 0.50 to 0.81 and specificity ranging from 0.40 to 0.80. 2 studies evaluated tests on in vivo primary…4 studiesVery low
Intervention NR
Marginal integrity success rate · Rubber dam isolation: No
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.899 [0.833, 0.941]14 studiesUngraded
Intervention NR
Absence of recurrent caries success rate · Material type: Open sandwich restoration
Success rate of proximal tooth-coloured direct restorations in primary teeth at 24 months: a meta-analysis. (2020)
Proportion 0.950 [0.677, 0.994]1 studyUngraded
T allele of AMELX rs2106416 vs C allele of AMELX rs2106416
Dental caries susceptibility · Individuals assessed for dental caries (cases with caries/high caries vs. caries-free or low/very-low-caries controls) · Overall
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: a meta-analysis. (2020)
OR 0.59 [0.16, 2.11]3 studies · 285 participantsUngraded