Cochrane

Review question Is it more effective to repair or replace faulty tooth-coloured fillings (resin composite) placed in molar teeth towards the back of the mouth in adults? Background Fillings are used as part of general dental treatment to rebuild teeth after a patient develops tooth decay or damages the surface of their tooth in some way. Fillings ...

Review question This review, carried out by the Cochrane Oral Health Group, seeks to evaluate the effects of interdental (between the teeth) brushing in addition to toothbrushing as compared with toothbrushing on its own or toothbrushing plus flossing for the prevention and control of periodontal (gum) diseases, dental plaque (a sticky film containing ...

Review question The main question addressed by this review is how effective the use of antibacterial agents in composite (resin-based, tooth-coloured) fillings might be in preventing the development of further decay either underneath or next to the filling (secondary caries). Background When tooth decay (caries) has caused a cavity in a tooth a ...

Review question Ugly white marks sometimes appear on the teeth during orthodontic (brace) treatment. These are caused by early tooth decay and usually occur with fixed (or glued-on 'train track') braces when the teeth are not cleaned properly. We know that fluoride in toothpaste helps to prevent dental decay; therefore, extra fluoride provided to ...

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 ...

Tooth decay (dental caries) is a common problem around the world. It can cost a lot of money to treat and causes infection, pain and the loss of teeth. Tooth decay can be controlled by what are known as 'non-operative' methods which include cleaning plaque from teeth thoroughly, advising a healthy diet and using fluoride to prevent the decay getting ...

Although children and adolescents of today have more healthy teeth than in the past, tooth decay (dental caries) is still a problem in some individuals and populations, and in fact affects a large number of people around the world. The majority of decay in children and adolescents is concentrated on the biting surfaces of back teeth. The preventive ...

Root canal treatment may be carried out as an alternative to dental extraction on a tooth in which the nerve has been injured or has died. Root canal treatment is carried out because the offending canal is infected or the pulp severely inflamed. The aim of root canal treatment is to eliminate bacteria from, and prevent their further entry to the root ...

Unhealthy sugar consumption habits are known to be associated with high rates of dental decay, and fizzy drink consumption habits associated with tooth enamel being dissolved (dental erosion). Members of the dental team routinely assess patients' diets, highlighting areas where this could be improved to reduce disease. This advice might extend to dietary ...