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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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
38% silver diamine fluoride vs Placebo Coronal carious lesions prevention · Children with coronal carious lesions (primary dentition) · Primary dentition Silver diamine fluoride for managing carious lesions: an umbrella review. (2019) | Prevented Fraction 70–78 | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Flossing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone Periodontitis (probing pocket depth) · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | One study measured probing pocket depth but no data were reported (Graziani 2017). | 1 study | Ungraded |
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | SMD -0.41 [-0.49, -0.33] | 3 studies | Low |
Laser enamel preparation alone (Er,Cr:YSGG or CO2 laser) vs Acid-etching (phosphoric acid) Sealant retention rate (completely retained) · Caries-free children to young adults with premolars/molars requiring pit-and-fissure sealants · 24 months The clinical effects of laser preparation of tooth surfaces for fissure sealants placement: a systematic… (2019) | OR 0.87 [0.31, 2.45] | 1 study · 16 participants | Ungraded |
1% chlorhexidine + 1% thymol varnish vs 5,000-ppm F (1.1% NaF) toothpaste or gel Arrest or reversal of noncavitated and cavitated root carious lesions · Adults (including institutionalized/older adults) with noncavitated and cavitated carious lesions on root surfaces… · 3-12 mo Nonrestorative Treatments for Caries: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. (2019) | RR 0.64 [0.15, 2.7] | 7 studies · 1304 participants | Very low |
Oral irrigation plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Harms and adverse effects · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | Both studies reported that there were no adverse events in either study group. | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Residence in weakly contaminated area (approx. 1-5 Ci/km2) vs Residence in non-contaminated (non-exposed) area (<1 Ci/km2) Dental caries experience (DMFT/dmft index) · Children aged 12-15 years (adolescents) · weak contamination A systematic review of the caries prevalence among children living in Chernobyl fallout countries. (2019) | WMD 2.02 [1.95, 2.09] | 1 study · 161 participants | Ungraded |
Dental cavity liner (e.g. calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer, or flowable composite) placed under the restoration vs No liner (resin-based composite bonded directly to the tooth) Postoperative hypersensitivity (POH), patient-reported (VAS score) · Adults or children with a Class I or Class II resin-based composite restoration in a permanent posterior tooth · 1 month Dental cavity liners for Class I and Class II resin‐based composite restorations (2019) · Cochrane | MD -0.20 [-0.31, -0.09] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Learning disability (CLD) vs No learning disability (CNLD) Caries experience in primary teeth (dmft/deft) · Children aged 1-18 years · Disability: Down syndrome Dental caries experience, care index and restorative index in children with learning disabilities and… (2019) | SMD 0.55 [-0.40, 1.52] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
38% silver diamine fluoride vs Placebo Coronal carious lesions prevention · Children with coronal carious lesions (permanent first molars) · Permanent first molars Silver diamine fluoride for managing carious lesions: an umbrella review. (2019) | Prevented Fraction 64 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children aged 6 years and older (healthy except for dental caries) · Age >= 6 years Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019) | OR 0.29 [0.08, 1.01] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Dental cavity liner (e.g. calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer, or flowable composite) placed under the restoration vs No liner (resin-based composite bonded directly to the tooth) Postoperative hypersensitivity (POH), patient-reported (dichotomous yes/no) · Adults or children with a Class I or Class II resin-based composite restoration in a permanent posterior tooth · 1 month Dental cavity liners for Class I and Class II resin‐based composite restorations (2019) · Cochrane | RR 0.44 [0.15, 1.34] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Longitudinal follow-up over time (natural caries progression; no assigned intervention) vs Within-cohort change from baseline to follow-up (>=3 y) Annual decline in percentage of caries-free participants (permanent dentition, D3) · Children and adolescents (permanent dentition, D3, up to 21 y), Western or comparable populations · Annual (studies with >=3 y follow-up), Baseline caries experience: moderate Caries Progression Rates Revisited: A Systematic Review. (2019) | 3.7% to 8.3% | 4 studies · 928 participants | Ungraded |
Longitudinal follow-up over time (natural caries progression; no assigned intervention) vs Within-cohort change from baseline to follow-up (>=3 y) Annual increment in dmft (primary dentition) · Children (primary dentition, d3), Western or comparable populations · Per year of follow-up Caries Progression Rates Revisited: A Systematic Review. (2019) | -0.3 to 0.3 | 4 studies · 1734 participants | Ungraded |
12,500 ppm F (NaF/olaflur/dectaflur) amine fluoride gel vs 0 ppm F placebo gel Adverse effects · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond; mean follow-up 16.6 months Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | Additional SoF Table 1. Adverse effects: with placebo gel 0.60%; with fluoride gel 0.00% (0 to 0); difference 0.60% fewer (0.60 fewer to 0.60 fewer); relative effect not estimable; 312 participants (1 RCT); certainty… | 1 study · 312 participants | Very low |
1000 to 1250 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | SMD -0.28 [-0.32, -0.25] | 55 studies | High |
Professionally-applied 12,300 ppm F APF foam, every 2 months vs 0 ppm F placebo foam Number of participants with new demineralised lesions (DLs) · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond; mean follow-up 18 months Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | RR 0.26 [0.11, 0.57] | 1 study · 95 participants | Low |
Residence in heavily contaminated area (approx. 15-40 Ci/km2) vs Residence in non-contaminated (non-exposed) area (<1 Ci/km2) Dental caries experience (DMFT/dmft index) · Children aged 5-7 years (early school-age) · heavy contamination A systematic review of the caries prevalence among children living in Chernobyl fallout countries. (2019) | WMD 1.05 [0.84, 1.26] | 1 study · 80 participants | Ungraded |
2400 to 2800 ppm F toothpaste vs 1450 to 1500 ppm F toothpaste Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | SMD -0.05 [-0.14, 0.05] | 2 studies | Moderate |
1450 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste Proportion developing new caries · Young children with primary (deciduous) dentition (aged 1 to 6 years at study start) · 22 months Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | RR 0.92 [0.54, 1.57] | 1 study · 172 participants | Low |
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) vs No photodynamic therapy (untreated negative control) Microbial reduction (viable count, log CFU/mL) · Patients with dental caries (in vivo cariogenic microorganisms, including children with early childhood caries) · Randomized clinical trials Effect of Photodynamic Therapy on Microorganisms Responsible for Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and… (2019) | SMD -1.16 [-2.02, -0.30] | 2 studies · 42 participants | Ungraded |
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) vs Children and adolescents without JIA (healthy peers) Dental caries in permanent teeth (DMFT index) · Children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) Oral health in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis - a systematic review and… (2019) | MD -0.08 [-0.42, 0.26] | 6 studies · 320 participants | Ungraded |
Er:YAG laser preparation combined with acid-etching vs Acid-etching (phosphoric acid) alone Sealant retention rate (completely retained) · Children with permanent molars requiring pit-and-fissure sealants · 3 months The clinical effects of laser preparation of tooth surfaces for fissure sealants placement: a systematic… (2019) | OR 0.47 [0.14, 1.64] | 1 study · 42 participants | Ungraded |
Sealant + 5% NaF varnish vs No treatment Arrest or reversal of noncavitated occlusal carious lesions · Children and adults with noncavitated carious lesions on occlusal surfaces (primary and permanent teeth) · 8-12 mo Nonrestorative Treatments for Caries: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. (2019) | RR 3.35 [2.42, 4.64] | 7 studies · 1575 participants | Moderate |
Wooden cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Gingivitis (proportion of bleeding sites) · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) · 3 months Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | MD 0.01 [-0.12, 0.14] | 1 study · 24 participants | Very low |
1400/250 ppm F (amine F/SnF2) toothpaste + mouthrinse, daily vs 1400/250 ppm F (NaF) toothpaste + mouthrinse, daily Visible plaque index (mean change from baseline) · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond; follow-up 1.5 years Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | MD -0.09 [-0.18, 0] | 1 study · 97 participants | Very low |
250 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste Caries increment, tooth index D(M)FT · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | SMD -0.11 [-0.27, 0.05] | 1 study | Low |
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions Incremental cost-effectiveness per DMFT/S · Children aged 0-12 years (healthy except for dental caries) Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019) | OR 0.03 [0.01, 0.11] | 8 studies | Ungraded |
Professionally-applied 12,300 ppm F APF foam, every 2 months vs 0 ppm F placebo foam Adverse effects · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond (end of orthodontic treatment) Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | SoF 2. Adverse effects: none of the trials reported this outcome. | 0 studies | No studies |
Rubber/elastomeric cleaning stick plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Gingivitis (proportion of bleeding sites) · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) · 1 month Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | MD -0.03 [-0.08, 0.03] | 5 studies · 212 participants | Low |
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) vs No photodynamic therapy (untreated negative control) Microbial reduction (viable count, log CFU/mL) · Cariogenic microorganisms in vitro (Streptococcus mutans and multispecies cariogenic biofilms) · In vitro studies Effect of Photodynamic Therapy on Microorganisms Responsible for Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and… (2019) | SMD -2.64 [-4.50, -0.79] | 2 studies · 14 participants | Ungraded |
Longitudinal follow-up over time (natural caries progression; no assigned intervention) vs Within-cohort change from baseline to follow-up (>=3 y) Annual increment in DMFT (permanent dentition) · Children and adolescents (permanent dentition, D3, up to 21 y), Western or comparable populations · Per year of follow-up, Baseline caries experience: low Caries Progression Rates Revisited: A Systematic Review. (2019) | 0.06 to 0.34 | 7 studies · 4121 participants | Ungraded |
Interdental brushing plus toothbrushing vs Flossing plus toothbrushing Harms and adverse effects · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate) Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling… (2019) · Cochrane | Five studies reported there were no adverse events. Two studies reported on problems with the use of interdental brushes or floss, which sometimes caused soreness. (Six studies reported on adverse events; none… | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Professionally-applied fluoride varnish (7700 or 10,000 ppm F), every 6 weeks vs Non-fluoride (placebo) varnish Adverse effects · Orthodontic patients of any age with fixed braces (new DLs assessed at debond) · At debond; follow-up 1.7 years Fluorides for preventing early tooth decay (demineralised lesions) during fixed brace treatment (2019) · Cochrane | SoF 1. Adverse effects: no evidence that the intervention had adverse effects; only 1 participant with an adverse event and unclear if directly related to the intervention. 148 participants (1 RCT, Sonesson 2019);… | 1 study · 148 participants | Low |
440 to 550 ppm F toothpaste vs 250 ppm F toothpaste Caries increment, surface index D(M)FS · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Closest to 36 months Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | SMD 0.03 [-0.17, 0.23] | 1 study | Low |
250 ppm F toothpaste vs Non-fluoride (0 ppm F) placebo toothpaste Proportion developing new caries · Children and adolescents with immature permanent dentition (aged 5 to 16 years at study start) · Follow-up: 24 months Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries (2019) · Cochrane | RR 1.07 [0.91, 1.27] | 2 studies · 684 participants | Low |
Longitudinal follow-up over time (natural caries progression; no assigned intervention) vs Within-cohort change from baseline to follow-up (>=3 y) Annual increment in DMFT (permanent dentition) · Children and adolescents (permanent dentition, D3, up to 21 y), Western or comparable populations · Per year of follow-up, Baseline caries experience: moderate Caries Progression Rates Revisited: A Systematic Review. (2019) | 0.24 to 0.73 | 6 studies · 16705 participants | Ungraded |
Resin infiltration + 5% NaF varnish vs Sealant + 5% NaF varnish Arrest or reversal of noncavitated occlusal carious lesions · Children and adults with noncavitated carious lesions on occlusal surfaces (primary and permanent teeth) · 8-12 mo Nonrestorative Treatments for Caries: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. (2019) | RR 0.95 [0.75, 1.21] | 7 studies · 1575 participants | Low |
Learning disability (CLD) vs No learning disability (CNLD) Caries experience in primary teeth (dmft/deft) · Children aged 1-18 years · Disability: mixed learning disabilities Dental caries experience, care index and restorative index in children with learning disabilities and… (2019) | SMD -0.10 [-0.34, 0.14] | 1 study | Ungraded |
38% SDF solution (applied biannually) vs 38% SDF solution (applied annually) Arrest of advanced cavitated carious lesions on any coronal surface · Preschool children with advanced cavitated carious lesions on any coronal surface (primary teeth) · 30 mo Nonrestorative Treatments for Caries: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. (2019) | RR 1.13 [1.07, 1.2] | 1 study · 799 participants | Moderate |
Intervention NR Dental caries prevalence · Children (<12 years) and adolescents (12-18 years) with type 1 diabetes · Metabolic control: poor (bad) Prevalence of dental caries in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and… (2019) | Prevalence 0.66 [0.43, 0.83] | 3 studies · 170 participants | Ungraded |
Dental cavity liner (e.g. calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer, or flowable composite) placed under the restoration vs No liner (resin-based composite bonded directly to the tooth) Postoperative hypersensitivity (POH), cold response measurement (VAS score) · Adults or children with a Class I or Class II resin-based composite restoration in a permanent posterior tooth · 1 month Dental cavity liners for Class I and Class II resin‐based composite restorations (2019) · Cochrane | MD -0.33 [-0.76, 0.11] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Residence in weakly contaminated area (approx. 1-5 Ci/km2) vs Residence in non-contaminated (non-exposed) area (<1 Ci/km2) Dental caries experience (DMFT/dmft index) · Children aged 12-15 years (adolescents) · weak contamination A systematic review of the caries prevalence among children living in Chernobyl fallout countries. (2019) | WMD 3.40 [2.71, 4.09] | 1 study · 219 participants | Ungraded |
Oral-health promotion programs (OHPPs): community-based oral-health education/training, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and topical fluoride, dental screening, and dietary advice vs No oral-health promotion program, or a differing (usual-care) action under similar conditions DMFT/DMFS index (dental caries experience) · Children younger than 6 years (healthy except for dental caries) · Age < 6 years Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Oral-Health Promotion in Dental Caries Prevention among… (2019) | OR 0.14 [0.05, 0.39] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Longitudinal follow-up over time (natural caries progression; no assigned intervention) vs Within-cohort change from baseline to follow-up (>=3 y) Annual increment in DMFS (permanent dentition) · Children and adolescents (permanent dentition, D3, up to 21 y), Western or comparable populations · Per year of follow-up, Baseline caries experience: low Caries Progression Rates Revisited: A Systematic Review. (2019) | 0.07 to 0.53 | 8 studies · 3735 participants | Ungraded |
12% SDF solution (applied annually) vs 12% SDF solution (applied biannually) Arrest of advanced cavitated carious lesions on any coronal surface · Preschool children with advanced cavitated carious lesions on any coronal surface (primary teeth) · 12 mo Nonrestorative Treatments for Caries: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. (2019) | RR 0.85 [0.77, 0.93] | 1 study · 799 participants | Moderate |
No intervention (single-arm cohort estimates) vs No comparator First dentine caries incidence rate per person-year at risk (D3) · Caries-free children and adolescents with permanent dentition · Follow-up of at least 3 years Caries Progression Rates Revisited: A Systematic Review. (2019) | Incidence rate per person-year at risk 0.09 [0.09, 0.09] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Low income vs High income Prevalence of untreated decay (% DT > 0) · Adults aged 25 years and older in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States · 2004-2006, Australia Socioeconomic status, oral health and dental disease in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. (2018) | AD 11.90 [6.82, 16.98] | 1 study · 5073 participants | Ungraded |
Postnatal passive tobacco exposure (secondhand/household smoke in infancy) vs No passive tobacco exposure (non-exposed children) Dental caries in primary dentition (presence) · Children (primary dentition) · Postnatal exposure; primary dentition Association between passive tobacco exposure and caries in children and adolescents. A systematic review and… (2018) | OR 1.723 [1.450, 2.049] | 13 studies | Ungraded |
Visual caries detection vs Reference standard (often histological; also invasive opening) All occlusal carious lesions · Permanent molar surfaces in diagnostic accuracy studies (mostly in vitro; clinical) · Tailored meta-analysis (Egypt) Visual and radiographic caries detection: a tailored meta-analysis for two different settings, Egypt and… (2018) | Specificity 77.0 [73, 81] | 51 studies | Ungraded |