Cochrane

Review question Is there any difference in effectiveness when undertaking root canal treatment in one visit compared to over several visits, and what are the effects on pain and complications, regardless of whether medication is used? Background This is an update of a review first published in 2007. Root canal treatment, or endodontic treatment, ...

Review question What are the effects of oral hygiene care on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in hospital intensive care units (ICUs)? We aimed to summarise all the available appropriate research in order to identify evidence-based care for these vulnerable patients. Background Critically ...

Review question How effective and safe is the use of fluoride mouthrinse for preventing tooth decay (dental caries) in children and adolescents compared with placebo (a mouthrinse without the active ingredient fluoride) or no treatment? Background Tooth decay is a health problem worldwide, affecting the vast majority of adults and children. Levels ...

Review question The main question addressed by this Cochrane review is: What evidence is available regarding the different ways of managing gagging in a patient undergoing dental treatment? Background The gag reflex is a normal mechanism to protect the throat and airway from foreign objects. Many people have an exaggerated gag reflex that causes ...

Review question This review has been produced to assess whether or not xylitol, a natural sweetener used in products such as sweets, candy, chewing gum and toothpaste, can help prevent tooth decay in children and adults. Background Tooth decay is a common disease affecting up to 90% of children and most adults worldwide. It impacts on quality of ...

Review question This review has been conducted to assess the effects of using a toothpaste containing triclosan (an antibacterial ingredient) plus copolymer (an ingredient to reduce the amount of triclosan that is washed away by rinsing or saliva) plus fluoride (a mineral that prevents tooth decay) compared with using a fluoride toothpaste (without ...

Review question The main question addressed by this review is how effective the use of fluoride varnish for the prevention of caries in children and adolescents is compared to placebo (a treatment without the active ingredient i.e. fluoride) or no treatment. Background Tooth decay (dental caries) is a significant health problem worldwide. ...

Improving the dental health of children is a global public health priority. Currently 60% to 90% of 5-year olds worldwide suffer from tooth decay. Understanding how to intervene early with respect to establishing good dental health habits requires an understanding of the key behaviours which either help prevent decay (toothbrushing, twice a day with ...

Occasionally, permanent canine teeth (sometimes called eye teeth) do not erupt properly in the mouth. In around 3% of children, either one or both canines (left and right) remain buried under the gum in the roof of the mouth, out of alignment from the tooth's correct position (known as palatally displaced teeth). If these permanent canine teeth remain ...

Many children experience painful tooth decay which can lead to the tooth/teeth being extracted. Even if teeth are not extracted the tooth decay may be distressing, be expensive to treat and may involve children and their carers having time off school and work. Another Cochrane review showed that fluoride toothpastes do reduce dental decay, by about ...