Cochrane

It is assumed that removing plaque (a layer of bacteria in an organic matrix which forms on the teeth) will help prevent gum disease (gingivitis) and tooth decay (dental caries). Gum disease, which appears as red, bleeding gums, may eventually contribute to tooth loss. Untreated tooth decay may also result in tooth loss. Toothbrushing removes some plaque, ...

Tooth decay (dental caries) can cause pain and lead to loss of teeth. In most developed countries, the prevalence of dental caries has decreased in the past 30 years in child populations. Nevertheless, some individuals or populations experience an increased caries challenge and are considered as being at 'high caries risk'. Fluoride is a mineral that ...

Dental sealants reduce more tooth decay in the grooves of back teeth in children than fluoride varnish application but the number of studies supporting this evidence is very low. Therefore, more high quality research is needed.Sealants are coatings applied by the dentist or by another person in dental care on the grooves of back teeth. These coatings ...

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 ...

There is strong evidence that the use of toothpaste containing fluoride can prevent tooth decay (caries) in both children and adults. However, a possible adverse effect associated with the use of fluoride toothpaste is the mottling of permanent teeth due to the swallowing of excessive fluoride by young children with developing teeth. This dental fluorosis ...

Root canal treatment is a frequently performed dental procedure which is carried out on teeth in which the nerve has died.Removal of the tissue remnants and cleaning and shaping of the root canal are important steps for success. These may include the use of hand and rotary instruments and ultrasonically powered equipment. The review authors found that ...

There is no evidence that ozone therapy can reverse or stop tooth decay.Tooth decay can be painful, is expensive to treat and can lead to the loss of teeth. It has been suggested that treatment of a decayed tooth with ozone will stop or reverse the decay process. This review of trials found no sound evidence that ozone is capable of reversing or stopping ...

Additional forms of topical fluoride can reduce tooth decay in children and adolescents more than fluoride toothpaste alone, but the extra benefit is not great.Tooth decay (dental caries) is painful, expensive to treat and can seriously damage teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay. Fluoride is added to the water supply in many areas. ...

Topical fluorides such as mouthrinses and gels do not appear to be more effective at reducing tooth decay in children and adolescents than fluoride toothpaste.Tooth decay (dental caries) is painful, expensive to treat and can seriously damage teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay. Fluoride is added to the water supply in many areas. ...

The use of fluoride toothpastes, mouthrinses, gels or varnishes reduces tooth decay in children and adolescents.Tooth decay (dental caries) is painful, expensive to treat and can seriously damage teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay. The review of trials found that children aged 5 to 16 years who applied fluoride in the form of toothpastes, ...