Figures
Abstract
Objectives
To identify, appraise and summarize existing knowledge and knowledge gaps in practice-relevant questions in pediatric dentistry.
Methods
A systematic mapping of systematic reviews was undertaken for domains considered important in daily clinical practice. The literature search covered questions in the following domains: behavior management problems/dental anxiety; caries risk assessment and caries detection including radiographic technologies; prevention and non-operative treatment of caries in primary and young permanent teeth; operative treatment of caries in primary and young permanent teeth; prevention and treatment of periodontal disease; management of tooth developmental and mineralization disturbances; prevention and treatment of oral conditions in children with chronic diseases/developmental disturbances/obesity; diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental erosion and tooth wear; treatment of traumatic injuries in primary and young permanent teeth and cost-effectiveness of these interventions. Abstracts and full text reviews were assessed independently by two reviewers and any differences were solved by consensus. AMSTAR was used to assess the risk of bias of each included systematic review. Reviews judged as having a low or moderate risk of bias were used to formulate existing knowledge and knowledge gaps.
Results
Out of 81 systematic reviews meeting the inclusion criteria, 38 were judged to have a low or moderate risk of bias. Half of them concerned caries prevention. The quality of evidence was high for a caries-preventive effect of daily use of fluoride toothpaste and moderate for fissure sealing with resin-based materials. For the rest the quality of evidence for the effects of interventions was low or very low.
Citation: Mejàre IA, Klingberg G, Mowafi FK, Stecksén-Blicks C, Twetman SHA, Tranæus SH (2015) A Systematic Map of Systematic Reviews in Pediatric Dentistry—What Do We Really Know? PLoS ONE 10(2): e0117537. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117537
Academic Editor: Kimon Divaris, UNC School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, UNITED STATES
Received: September 12, 2014; Accepted: December 26, 2014; Published: February 23, 2015
Copyright: © 2015 Mejàre et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Data Availability: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Introduction
To help insure that administered treatments do more good than harm, gaps in knowledge about their effects—uncertainties—must be identified, and those deemed sufficiently important must be addressed [1]. According to the Database of Uncertainties about the Effects of Treatments (DUETs) and the Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment (SBU), a knowledge gap is present when systematic reviews reveal uncertainty about a health technology’s medical effects, or if no systematic literature review is available (http://www.library.nhs.uk/duets/), (http://www.sbu.se/en/Published/Scientific-Uncertainties/). It follows that systematic reviews based on high-quality studies are crucial, not only for assessing the best available evidence, but also for identifying and communicating scientific uncertainty (knowledge gaps). Besides offering practitioners and other decision-makers an overview, an important goal is to encourage clinical research in strategic areas linked to clinical management. An initial step in this process is to systematically and transparently describe the extent of research in a field and to identify gaps in the research base [2].
In 2010, the Swedish Government gave SBU the task of identifying knowledge gaps in health care. Summarizing the state of research knowledge in the field of pediatric dentistry was considered to be an important part of this assignment. Pediatric dentistry involves early diagnosis and treatment of the multitude of oral diseases and conditions found in the child’s and the adolescent’s mouth, including caries, periodontal disease, mineralization disturbances, disturbances in tooth development and tooth eruption, and traumatic injuries [3].
A number of systematic reviews addressing various topics in the field of pediatric dentistry have been published. However, to our knowledge their methodological quality has not been systematically assessed and the state of research knowledge of common interventions in pediatric dentistry has not been compiled. Using the mapping approach, the aim of this study was to identify, appraise and summarize existing knowledge and identify knowledge gaps covering essential fields of oral health care in children and adolescents. The mapping should provide answers to the most relevant questions related to pediatric dentistry. For example, since dental caries is the most common chronic disease among children and adolescents [4] it is crucial for the practitioner as well as the community to know which methods are most effective for preventing and treating the disease. Another example is dental anxiety/behavior management problems where the reported prevalence exceeds ten percent in many countries [3]. Knowledge about the best strategies for managing these children is obviously important. It is equally important to identify gaps in the research base so that unanswered questions can be tackled by additional practice-relevant research activities. For practical reasons the mapping was restricted to ten domains and did not include oral manifestations of malignant diseases, oral mucous lesions, surgery and orthodontics. AMSTAR [5] was used as the basis for assessing the quality of relevant systematic reviews.
Material and Methods
After consulting specialists in pediatric dentistry and colleagues working in community dentistry, questions related to the following ten domains appeared to cover the most important activities in pedodontic clinical practice: behavior management problems/dental anxiety; caries risk assessment and caries detection, including radiographic technologies; prevention and non-operative treatment of caries in primary and young permanent teeth; operative treatment of caries in primary and young permanent teeth; prevention and treatment of periodontal disease; management of tooth developmental and mineralization disturbances; prevention and treatment of oral conditions in children with chronic, diseases/developmental disturbances/obesity; diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental erosion and tooth wear; treatment of traumatic injuries in primary and young permanent teeth and cost-effectiveness of interventions.
Inclusion criteria
Systematic reviews published in peer-reviewed journals addressing questions on any of the selected domains. Intervention, control and outcome parameters in accordance with the particular question:
Exclusion criteria
- Surgical intervention of cleft lip and palate
- Speech-related interventions
- Guidelines or non-systematically performed meta-analyses
Literature search strategy
The latest literature search was made in April 2014 in three databases: PubMed, The Cochrane Library and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CDR). There were no language restrictions. The search algorithm was (“Child” [Mesh] OR children[tiab] OR “Adolescent”[Mesh] OR adolescent[tiab]) AND (“Dental Care”[Mesh] OR dental care[tiab] OR “Dental Caries”[Mesh] OR caries[tiab]) AND systematic[sb]. Screening of references was used. The numbers of retrieved abstracts, included and excluded articles at each stage of the search process are given in a flow diagram (Fig. 1). Abstracts identified according to the inclusion criteria were examined independently by two review authors. If at least one of them found an abstract potentially relevant, it was included and the article was ordered in full text.
Flow diagram chart showing the literature search strategy with the number of retrieved abstracts, included and excluded articles.
Data extraction and quality assessment
Data extraction, assessment of relevance and quality of included reviews were undertaken independently by two review authors. Any differences were solved by consensus; a third review author was consulted if necessary. In the case of reviews in which one of the review authors was involved, the quality was assessed by two independent reviewers.
The quality (in terms of the risk of bias) of all full text reviews was assessed using AMSTAR [5]. Items 1–3 and 5–8 were selected as being most important. The wording of question 7 was found to be somewhat unclear and was rephrased to “Was the overall scientific quality of each included study assessed and documented?” Thus, a yes-answer required an assessment of the overall risk of bias of each included study. The pre-specified criteria for low, moderate and high risk of bias are given in Table 1. A conservative approach was used; if a feature was not reported, it was assumed to be absent. If the answer to a particular question was unclear, it was discussed and a decision was reached in common as to whether the review should be classified as moderate or high risk of bias. Because the vast majority of published articles in the field of pediatric dentistry are identified in PubMed, it was considered acceptable to use only this database. As a general rule, the quality of individual studies in the reviews was not checked. An exception was when there was inconsistency or uncertainty about the results or conclusions of a review. In these cases, spot-test checks of individual articles were made.
If more than one systematic review on the same subject was found, only the one with the best quality and the most recent date was included [6].
Handling of data
Reviews judged as having a low or moderate risk of bias were used to summarize results and formulate existing knowledge and knowledge gaps for each domain. In accordance with the working process described by Whitlock [6], no synthesis was made of any effect size of different interventions. To get a uniform summary appraisal of the quality of evidence of the effects investigated, the various expressions used in the separate systematic reviews were transformed to GRADE terms [7]according to the following: Strong = GRADE High; Moderate = GRADE Moderate; Limited = GRADE Low; insufficient, fair, poor, low, weak, inconclusive, some evidence and other expressions of uncertainty = GRADE Very low.
Results
The number of included reviews and the number and proportion with a low/moderate risk of bias according to the ten domains are given in Table 2. A brief summary of the objectives, main results and quality of evidence of the effects of reviews with low to moderate risk of bias is given in Table 3. It shows that the quality of evidence is high for the caries-preventive effect of daily use of fluoride toothpaste and that supervised tooth-brushing is more effective than unsupervised. Table 4 shows the current activity of published systematic reviews and original studies. The various specific outcomes related to domain are given with comments in Table 5. The main characteristics of the 38 reviews with a low or moderate risk of bias [8–45]are described in more detail in S1 Table. The 43 reviews with a high risk of bias [46–88] with the main reason for downgrading, are described in S2 Table. Due to the relatively high number of systematic reviews on prevention, this domain was subdivided into fluoride technologies, other technologies, programs/routines and safety. A summary of existing knowledge is given in Table 6 showing that existing evidence-based knowledge is limited mainly to activities for preventing caries. Knowledge gaps identified from existing reviews are summarized in Table 7. Excluded articles [89–123], with the main reason for exclusion, are listed in S3 Table.
The main results, including existing knowledge and knowledge gaps from identified reviews with a low or moderate risk of bias, are presented below for each domain.
Behavior management problems/dental anxiety
Three systematic reviews displayed insufficient evidence of the effect of the behavior management strategies hypnosis, use of analgesics, and sedation or general anaesthesia for the delivery of dental care [8–10]. Thus, the effects of behavior management techniques remain uncertain.
Caries risk assessment and caries detection, including radiographic technologies
Caries risk assessment.
One systematic review [11] concluded that comprehensive multivariate models were more accurate than single variables for predicting future caries, especially in preschool children. Few models were, however, validated. Overall, the validity of models and single risk factors, as well as the role of confounding factors (e.g. age, lifestyle, socio-economy, and socio-demography) for predicting future caries, remain uncertain.
Caries detection.
One systematic review [12] displayed fair evidence of the accuracy of ECM (electric conductivity measurement) for detecting non-cavitated caries lesions. Poor evidence was found for all other methods, such as traditional visible inspection, bitewing radiography or other radiographic technologies and adjunct methods such as FOTI (fibre-optic transillumination), LF (laser fluorescence) and QLF (quantitative light-induced fluorescence) and lesion activity assessment (based on visual inspection).
Prevention and non-operative treatment of caries in primary and young permanent teeth
Fluoride technologies for caries prevention.
One systematic review concerned the caries-preventive effect of water fluoridation [13]. The quality of evidence of its effect was graded as low. There was a dose-dependent increase in dental fluorosis. Thus, the effect size of caries reduction in relation to safety remains uncertain.
Two reviews covered the preventive effect of fluoride toothpaste [14,15]. There was strong evidence for an effect of daily use of fluoride toothpaste; supervised brushing was more effective than unsupervised; evidence of a dose-dependent effect was limited. Two main uncertainties are the preventive effect in pre-school children related to the risk of fluorosis and the optimum ppm-value of fluoride in toothpastes intended for high caries risk children.
Seven reviews concerned various other fluoride technologies such as varnishes [18,19], mouth-rinses [21], slow release devices [16], tablets, drops, lozenges [20] and fluoridated food [17,22]. Whereas fluoride varnish is effective for preventing caries in permanent teeth [19], the reviews concerning primary teeth both concluded that the effect and safety of its use remain uncertain. When daily fluoride from toothpaste is used, any additional effect of fluoride mouth-rinse remains uncertain, particularly for individuals with high caries risk. The effects of all other investigated fluoride technologies also remain uncertain.
Other technologies for caries prevention.
Five reviews covered various substances [23–27]. One addressed the effect of fissure sealants and found moderate evidence of an effect in high caries-risk children [23]. Another review compared the effect of sealants with fluoride varnish [25]. More research is needed to gain knowledge on the outcome of fissure sealants in relation to baseline caries risk, with subsequent cost-effectiveness evaluation. There are also uncertainties concerning the effect of using other than resin-based materials for sealing, pre-treatment options and any difference in effect between sealants and varnishes. Any effect of chlorhexidine, HealOzone or triclosan, also remains uncertain [24,26,27].
Programs/routines for caries prevention.
Four reviews concerned preventive programs/routines [28–31]. Two of them reported insufficient evidence of different recall intervals [29,31]; the other two reported insufficient evidence of school-based interventions or oral health promotion programmes [28,30]. Thus, the role of programmes and routines for caries prevention, as well as the effect of recall intervals, remain uncertain.
Safety of using fluoride agents for caries prevention.
No studies of low or moderate risk of bias regarding safety were identified. Thus, the risk of fluorosis from using fluoride toothpaste in young children (<1 or <2 years), including the amount and concentration of fluoride, remains uncertain.
Non-operative treatment.
Two reviews concerned non-operative treatment [24,32]. One concluded that there is insufficient evidence of the efficacy of non-surgical methods (mainly fluoride supplements) to arrest or reverse non-cavitated coronal lesions [32], and the other found insufficient evidence of the effect of HealOzone for managing such lesions [24].
Operative treatment of caries in primary and young permanent teeth
Six reviews were identified [33–38]. The effect of pre-formed metal crowns compared with filling materials in primary teeth is uncertain [33]. The most effective way of treating carious teeth also remains uncertain, i.e. the effects of stepwise, partial or no dentinal caries removal compared with complete caries removal on signs/symptoms of pulp disease and restoration failure [37]. Other uncertainties are the effect of ART compared with amalgam restorations [34], the effect of composite resin versus amalgam fillings [36] and the effect of different types of treatment for pulpally involved primary molars [35]. Furthermore, the effects of different filling materials on pain, survival and aesthetics, as well as the effects of restoration versus extraction versus no treatment in primary teeth, remain uncertain [38].
Prevention and treatment of periodontal disease
One review on the effect of adding triclosan/copolymer to fluoride toothpaste on plaque, gingivitis, calculus and periodontitis was identified [27]. The authors concluded that adding triclosan to toothpaste had no effect on periodontitis but the statement was uncertain.
Management of tooth developmental and mineralization disturbances
One review concluded that there is no evidence for the most effective intervention for treating teeth affected by Amelogenesis imperfecta [39]. Thus, uncertainty exists for the management of all types of mineralization disturbances as well as tooth developmental disturbances.
Prevention and treatment of oral conditions in children with chronic diseases/developmental disturbances/obesity
Three reviews concerned dental caries prevalence/caries risk in children with asthma, chronic kidney disease or cleft lip/palate [40–42]. Although not addressing prevention, these reviews were considered important and were therefore included under this heading. All concluded that there are uncertainties concerning caries prevalence/caries risk compared with healthy children. Uncertainty also exists regarding caries risk, prevention and treatment of children with other chronic diseases, functional disabilities such as neuropsychiatric disorders and oral-motor function disturbances. One review on the relationship between obesity and dental caries concluded that the role of confounding factors remains uncertain [43].
Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental erosion and tooth wear
No systematic reviews were identified.
Treatment of traumatic injuries in primary and young permanent teeth
Two reviews were identified [44,45]. One considered the effects of interventions for treating external root resorption in permanent teeth [44] and the other the effect of treatment of displaced permanent front teeth. Both were empty reviews and any effects of these or other interventions for treating traumatic injuries therefore remain uncertain.
Discussion
This map report provides a systematic description of research activity in practice-relevant fields of pediatric dentistry. The effects of caries preventive strategies were relatively widely investigated and existing evidence-based knowledge was mainly restricted to this domain (Table 6). Other domains were investigated less well or not at all, resulting in a considerable number of knowledge gaps, from both existing and non-existing systematic reviews (Table 7). A possible explanation could be that existing systematic reviews were of old date. Almost two thirds of those with low or moderate risk of bias were, however, published within the latest five years (Table 4). With few exceptions the number of included studies published within the last five years was small. Some topics may be regarded as “saturated”, such as the effect of water fluoridation whereas most other topics clearly point to an urgent need for clinical research activities. In spite of several quite recently published studies, validated caries risk assessment methods are still lacking. A conceivable reason could be the complexity of the topic and the lack of consensus on methodological requirements in design, conduct, analysis and reporting. The same applies to caries detection methods where the accuracy of single or combined methods to detect non-cavitated lesions still remains a knowledge gap. The number of included studies in each systematic review shows that the major research activities during the last five years have been restricted to caries risk assessment, caries detection, fissure sealants and the relationship between obesity and caries (Table 4). The reasons for this can only be speculated on.
It follows that management of dental conditions in children and adolescents to a large extent is not evidence-based, and that at present, the best available evidence consists of own or colleagues’ experience or expert opinions. This ought to alarm stakeholders, the profession and policy-makers. It is obvious that clinical research of good quality is crucial and should be given priority so that important knowledge gaps can be eliminated. In this context it is important to note that absence of evidence of a certain intervention does not mean that there is evidence of a lack of its effect. In other words, a certain intervention may be effective even though the evidence for this is weak or lacking. The need for evidence remains, however.
The methodological quality of the systematic reviews varied and more than half of them were considered to have a high risk of bias (Table 2). The three most common shortcomings concerned questions 2, 7 and 8 in AMSTAR. A no answer to question 7 implied that each primary study was not given an overall assessment of its risk of bias. Another common reason for downgrading was that primary studies with a high risk of bias were pooled and conclusions were drawn from such results. Similarly, heterogeneous primary studies were sometimes pooled without sensitivity and subgroup analyses (question 8). The quality of evidence for a certain outcome was often not reported by the authors and if reported, the terms used varied. This made it difficult to compare the reported strength or quality of evidence of different reviews. It seems that the terms proposed by the GRADE working group (high, moderate, low and very low quality of evidence) have not yet been accepted in the literature [7]. To get a summary of the state of knowledge, reported quality of evidence of individual reviews were transformed into GRADE terms (Table 3). This was considered to be a reasonably fair way of summarizing the evidence base of individual systematic reviews.
There were six so-called empty systematic reviews, that is, there were no studies eligible for inclusion [10,33,38,39,44,45]. There is no straightforward way to assess such reviews. It has been suggested that they should be excluded [6]. We kept them, however, because they clearly point to a knowledge gap on a particular question and five of them were assessed as having a low risk of bias. One [10] was considered to have a moderate risk of bias since it may be questioned whether the inclusion criteria (RCTs) were appropriate, that is, RCTs may not be possible for ethical reasons (S1 Table).
The mapping approach is specifically designed to categorize existing literature and to identify gaps in the evidence base but it has its limitations [124]. A systematic map provides an appraisal of the methodological quality of systematic reviews but does not scrutinize the quality of the primary research included in each review. Consequently, a limitation is that individual primary studies of the systematic reviews are not scrutinized. Therefore, flaws may be overlooked, such as inconsistencies regarding the quality of individual primary studies and their qualification for contributing to synthesis and conclusions. On the other hand, as a conservative approach was taken, this limitation should not have had any major influence on the results.
The outcomes vary depending on domain (Table 5). Although well established and commonly used in dental research their robustness and clinical relevance deserves attention. The mainly qualitative outcomes in studies on behavior management problems/dental anxiety can introduce bias when interpreting the results. Thus, parents´ or children’s self-reported data may be used to decide “success” or “failure”. For example, the review by Ashley [9] points out that measures of pain depend on the baseline anxiety of the child yet none of the included studies recorded this. Regarding caries risk assessment and caries detection, the acceptable accuracy may be debatable and patient’s benefit is uncertain. The definition of a clinically relevant difference in effect size in studies on caries prevention may also be debatable. The effect size was, however, not appraised in this mapping for interventions where evidence-based knowledge exists.
It should also be noted that the external validity of the results of separate systematic reviews was not considered. Included primary research may have been undertaken in populations and settings that do not apply to today’s conditions in a particular country. An example is the statement “effective in children with high caries risk”. This might mean one thing in one country and another thing in another.
Strictly, all systematic reviews including those with high or moderate quality of evidence of the effect of a treatment displayed some gaps in knowledge. For example, there was moderate evidence that fissure sealing is effective for preventing caries. Whether that applies also to individuals with low caries risk or to other than resin-based materials still remain as knowledge gaps. So, depending on the extent of subgrouping of individuals/treatments there will probably always be gaps in knowledge. Their importance and priority for research activities must be judged accordingly.
A review of reviews aimed to assess the methodological quality of all reviews related to pediatric dentistry and oral health published by the Cochrane Oral Health Group and to assess implications for practice [125]. The authors concluded that there is strong evidence that topical fluoride treatment and sealants are effective for preventing caries in children and adolescents even though the reviews generated inconclusive findings. In contrast, the present mapping arrived at varying quality of evidence of preventive measures and identified several knowledge gaps (S1, S2 Tables and Table 7).
It is noteworthy that health-economic aspects yielded no systematic reviews of sufficient quality. One review with a high risk of bias [88] concluded that the health-economic effects of caries-preventive measures were difficult to assess due to the scarcity of original studies with sufficiently good quality and contradictory results of individual studies. A later non-systematic review on the same subject arrived at the same conclusion [112]. Overall, the cost-effectiveness needs to be addressed in future studies.
The fact that there is a severe gap in the scientific evidence on diagnosis and treatment in most fields in pediatric dentistry does not mean that there is no basis for selecting a particular method instead of another in clinical practice. For example, methods that can expose patients to large risks should be avoided. Methods involving particularly high costs should also be avoided until their cost-effectiveness has been tested properly. Furthermore, diagnosis and treatment with relevant established theoretical assumptions are preferred to methods that lack such theoretical basis. In the absence of scientific evidence for alternative methods, one should also adhere to established treatments [126]. Although important, patient-oriented aspects, such as the acceptability of an intervention, were only occasionally mentioned in the systematic reviews.
Conclusions
There is high/moderate quality of evidence of a caries-preventive effect of daily use of fluoride toothpaste and fissure sealing with resin-based materials. For all other domains the quality of evidence of the effects of interventions was low or very low. There is an urgent need for primary clinical research of good quality in most domains in pediatric dentistry.
Supporting Information
S1 PRISMA Checklist. Reported items according to the PRISMA checklist.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117537.s001
(DOC)
S1 Table. Main characteristics of systematic reviews with low or moderate risk of bias.
Main objectives, results and estimated level of evidence of systematic reviews with low or moderate risk of bias for the ten selected domains in pediatric dentistry. Presence of a knowledge gap is based on the estimated level of evidence according to authors.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117537.s002
(DOCX)
S2 Table. Main characteristics of systematic reviews with high risk of bias.
Main objectives, results and estimated level of evidence of systematic reviews with high risk of bias according to criteria listed in Table 1 for the ten selected domains in pediatric dentistry. Presence of a knowledge gap is based on the estimated level of evidence according to authors.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117537.s003
(DOCX)
S3 Table. Excluded systematic reviews and the main reason for exclusion.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0117537.s004
(DOCX)
Author Contributions
Responsible for literature search and for handling and distributing abstracts and full-text articles to other authors: FM. Took part in designing the systematic review: IM GK FM CSB S. Twetman S. Tranæus. Analyzed the data (work load equally distributed): IM GK CSB S. Twetman S. Tranæus. Developed tool for analyzing the data (criteria for high, moderate and low risk of bias): IM GK FM CSB S. Twetman S. Tranæus. Wrote first draft: S. Twetman. Wrote subsequent and final drafts: IM. Gave response and criticized drafts: GK FM CSB S. Twetman S. Tranæus. Produced table content: IM GK FM CSB S. Twetman S. Tranæus. Final layout: IM.
References
- 1.
Chalmers SI (2011) Systematic reviews and uncertainties about the effects of treatments [editorial]. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010 12. Available: http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/details/editorial/691951/Systematic-reviews-and-uncertainties-about-the-effects-of-treatments-by-Sir-Iain.html. Accessed 2015 January 10.
- 2.
Clapton J, Rutter D, Sharif N (2009) Social care institute for excellence (SCIE) Systematic mapping guidance. Available: http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/researchresources/rr03.asp. Accessed 2015 January 10.
- 3.
Koch G, Poulsen S (2009) Pediatric dentistry: A clinical approach. Chichester: Willey-Blackwell.
- 4. Petersen PE (2003) The World Oral Health Report 2003: continuous improvement of oral health in the 21st century—the approach of the WHO Global Oral Health Programme. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 31: Suppl 1:3–23. pmid:15015736
- 5. Shea BJ, Grimshaw JM, Wells GA, Boers M, Andersson N, et al. (2007) Development of AMSTAR: a measurement tool to assess the methodological quality of systematic reviews. BMC Med Res Methodol 7: 10. pmid:17302989
- 6. Whitlock EP, Lin JS, Chou R, Shekelle P, Robinson KA (2008) Using existing systematic reviews in complex systematic reviews. Ann Intern Med 148: 776–782. pmid:18490690
- 7. Guyatt GH, Oxman AD, Vist GE, Kunz R, Falck-Ytter Y, et al. (2008) GRADE: an emerging consensus on rating quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. BMJ 336: 924–926. pmid:18436948
- 8. Al-Harasi S, Ashley PF, Moles DR, Parekh S, Walters V (2010) Hypnosis for children undergoing dental treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd007154. pmid:20687082
- 9. Ashley PF, Parekh S, Moles DR, Anand P, Behbehani A (2012) Preoperative analgesics for additional pain relief in children and adolescents having dental treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 9: Cd008392. pmid:22972120
- 10. Ashley PF, Williams CE, Moles DR, Parry J (2012) Sedation versus general anaesthesia for provision of dental treatment in under 18 year olds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 11: Cd006334. pmid:23152234
- 11. Mejàre I, Axelsson S, Dahlén G, Espelid I, Norlund A, et al. (2014) Caries risk assessment. A systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand 72: 81–91. pmid:23998481
- 12. Gomez J, Tellez M, Pretty I, Ellwood R, Ismail A (2103) Non-cavitated carious lesions detection methods: a systematic review. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 41: 55–73.
- 13. McDonagh MS, Whiting PF, Wilson PM, Sutton AJ, Chestnutt I, et al. (2000) Systematic review of water fluoridation. Bmj 321: 855–859. pmid:11021861
- 14. Ammari AB, Bloch-Zupan A, Ashley PF (2003) Systematic review of studies comparing the anti-caries efficacy of children’s toothpaste containing 600 ppm of fluoride or less with high fluoride toothpastes of 1,000 ppm or above. Caries Res 37: 85–92. pmid:12652045
- 15. Twetman S, Axelsson S, Dahlgren H, Holm AK, Kallestal C, et al. (2003) Caries-preventive effect of fluoride toothpaste: a systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand 61: 347–355. pmid:14960006
- 16. Bonner BC, Clarkson JE, Dobbyn L, Khanna S (2006) Slow-release fluoride devices for the control of dental decay. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd005101. pmid:17054238
- 17. Cagetti MG, Campus G, Milia E, Lingstrom P (2013) A systematic review on fluoridated food in caries prevention. Acta Odontol Scand 71: 381–387. pmid:22827733
- 18. Carvalho DM, Salazar M, Oliveira BH, Coutinho ES (2010) Fluoride varnishes and decrease in caries incidence in preschool children: a systematic review. Rev Bras Epidemiol 13: 139–149. pmid:20683562
- 19. Petersson LG, Twetman S, Dahlgren H, Norlund A, Holm AK, et al. (2004) Professional fluoride varnish treatment for caries control: a systematic review of clinical trials. Acta Odontol Scand 62: 170–176. pmid:15370638
- 20. Tubert-Jeannin S, Auclair C, Amsallem E, Tramini P, Gerbaud L, et al. (2011) Fluoride supplements (tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gums) for preventing dental caries in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd007592. pmid:22161414
- 21. Twetman S, Petersson L, Axelsson S, Dahlgren H, Holm AK, et al. (2004) Caries-preventive effect of sodium fluoride mouthrinses: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Acta Odontol Scand 62: 223–230. pmid:15513419
- 22. Yeung CA, Hitchings JL, Macfarlane TV, Threlfall AG, Tickle M, et al. (2005) Fluoridated milk for preventing dental caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd003876. pmid:16034911
- 23. Ahovuo-Saloranta A, Forss H, Walsh T, Hiiri A, Nordblad A, et al. (2013) Sealants for preventing dental decay in the permanent teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3: Cd001830. pmid:23543512
- 24. Brazzelli M, McKenzie L, Fielding S, Fraser C, Clarkson J, et al. (2006) Systematic review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HealOzone for the treatment of occlusal pit/fissure caries and root caries. Health Technol Assess 10: iii–iv, ix–80.
- 25. Hiiri A, Ahovuo-Saloranta A, Nordblad A, Makela M (2010) Pit and fissure sealants versus fluoride varnishes for preventing dental decay in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd003067. pmid:20238319
- 26. James P, Parnell C, Whelton H (2010) The caries-preventive effect of chlorhexidine varnish in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Caries Res 44: 333–340. pmid:20606432
- 27. Riley P, Lamont T (2013) Triclosan/copolymer containing toothpastes for oral health. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 12: CD010514. pmid:24310847
- 28. Cooper AM O, ’Malley LA, Elison SN, Armstrong R, Burnside G, et al. (2013) Primary school-based behavioural interventions for preventing caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 5: Cd009378. pmid:23728691
- 29. Davenport CF, Elley KM, Fry-Smith A, Taylor-Weetman CL, Taylor RS (2003) The effectiveness of routine dental checks: a systematic review of the evidence base. Br Dent J 195: 87–98; discussion 85. pmid:12881749
- 30. Kay E, Locker D (1998) A systematic review of the effectiveness of health promotion aimed at improving oral health. Community Dent Health 15: 132–144. pmid:10645682
- 31. Riley P, Worthington HV, Clarkson JE, Beirne PV (2013) Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 12: CD004346. pmid:24353242
- 32. Bader JD, Shugars DA, Bonito AJ (2001) A systematic review of selected caries prevention and management methods. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 29: 399–411. pmid:11784283
- 33. Innes NP, Ricketts DN, Evans DJ (2007) Preformed metal crowns for decayed primary molar teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd005512. pmid:17253559
- 34. Mickenautsch S, Yengopal V, Banerjee A (2010) Atraumatic restorative treatment versus amalgam restoration longevity: a systematic review. Clin Oral Investig 14: 233–240. pmid:19688227
- 35. Nadin G, Goel BR, Yeung CA, Glenny AM (2003) Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: CD003220. pmid:12535462
- 36. Rasines Alcaraz MG, Veitz-Keenan A, Sahrmann P, Schmidlin PR, Davis D, et al. (2014) Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent or adult posterior teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3: CD005620. pmid:24683067
- 37. Ricketts D, Lamont T, Innes NP, Kidd E, Clarkson JE (2013) Operative caries management in adults and children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3: Cd003808. pmid:23543523
- 38. Yengopal V, Harneker SY, Patel N, Siegfried N (2009) Dental fillings for the treatment of caries in the primary dentition. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd004483. pmid:19370602
- 39. Dashash M, Yeung CA, Jamous I, Blinkhorn A (2013) Interventions for the restorative care of amelogenesis imperfecta in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 6: CD007157. pmid:23744349
- 40. Alavaikko S, Jaakkola MS, Tjaderhane L, Jaakkola JJ (2011) Asthma and caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Epidemiol 174: 631–641. pmid:21828369
- 41. Andrade MR, Antunes LA, Soares RM, Leao AT, Maia LC, et al. (2013) Lower dental caries prevalence associated to chronic kidney disease: a systematic review. Pediatr Nephrol.
- 42. Hasslöf P, Twetman S (2007) Caries prevalence in children with cleft lip and palate—a systematic review of case-control studies. Int J Paediatr Dent 17: 313–319. pmid:17683319
- 43. Hayden C, Bowler JO, Chambers S, Freeman R, Humphris G, et al. (2013) Obesity and dental caries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 41: 289–308. pmid:23157709
- 44. Ahangari Z, Nasser M, Mahdian M, Fedorowicz Z, Marchesan MA (2010) Interventions for the management of external root resorption. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: CD008003. pmid:20556788
- 45. Belmonte FM, Macedo CR, Day PF, Saconato H, Fernandes Moca Trevisani V (2013) Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: luxated (dislodged) teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 4: CD006203. pmid:23633334
- 46. Lourenco-Matharu L, Ashley PF, Furness S (2012) Sedation of children undergoing dental treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3: Cd003877. pmid:22419289
- 47. Matharu L, Ashley PF (2006) Sedation of anxious children undergoing dental treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd003877. pmid:16437466
- 48. Zhou Y, Cameron E, Forbes G, Humphris G (2011) Systematic review of the effect of dental staff behaviour on child dental patient anxiety and behaviour. Patient Educ Couns 85: 4–13. pmid:20807676
- 49. Bloemendal E, de Vet HC, Bouter LM (2004) The value of bitewing radiographs in epidemiological caries research: a systematic review of the literature. J Dent 32: 255–264. pmid:15053907
- 50. Burt BA, Pai S (2001) Does low birthweight increase the risk of caries? A systematic review. J Dent Educ 65: 1024–1027. pmid:11699973
- 51. Harris R, Nicoll AD, Adair PM, Pine CM (2004) Risk factors for dental caries in young children: a systematic review of the literature. Community Dent Health 21: 71–85. pmid:15072476
- 52. Hooley M, Skouteris H, Boganin C, Satur J, Kilpatrick N (2012) Body mass index and dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review of literature published 2004 to 2011. Syst Rev 1: 57. pmid:23171603
- 53. Ismail AI, Sohn W (1999) A systematic review of clinical diagnostic criteria of early childhood caries. J Public Health Dent 59: 171–191. pmid:10649590
- 54. Leong PM, Gussy MG, Barrow SY, de Silva-Sanigorski A, Waters E (2013) A systematic review of risk factors during first year of life for early childhood caries. Int J Paediatr Dent 23: 235–250. pmid:22925469
- 55. Parisotto TM, Steiner-Oliveira C, Silva CM, Rodrigues LK, Nobre-dos-Santos M (2010) Early childhood caries and mutans streptococci: a systematic review. Oral Health Prev Dent 8: 59–70. pmid:20480056
- 56. Reisine ST, Psoter W (2001) Socioeconomic status and selected behavioral determinants as risk factors for dental caries. J Dent Educ 65: 1009–1016. pmid:11699971
- 57. Thenisch NL, Bachmann LM, Imfeld T, Leisebach Minder T, Steurer J (2006) Are mutans streptococci detected in preschool children a reliable predictive factor for dental caries risk? A systematic review. Caries Res 40: 366–374. pmid:16946603
- 58. Tellez M, Gomez J, Pretty I, Ellwood R, Ismail A (2012) Evidence on existing caries risk assessment systems: are they predictive of future caries? Community Dent Oral Epidemiol.
- 59. Twetman S, Axelsson S, Dahlen G, Espelid I, Mejare I, et al. (2013) Adjunct methods for caries detection: a systematic review of literature. Acta Odontol Scand 71: 388–397. pmid:22630355
- 60. Valaitis R, Hesch R, Passarelli C, Sheehan D, Sinton J (2000) A systematic review of the relationship between breastfeeding and early childhood caries. Can J Public Health 91: 411–417. pmid:11200729
- 61. Azarpazhooh A, Main PA (2008) Fluoride varnish in the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Todays FDA 20: 21–25, 27. pmid:19186385
- 62. Espelid I (2009) Caries preventive effect of fluoride in milk, salt and tablets: a literature review. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 10: 149–156. pmid:19772844
- 63. Ismail AI, Hasson H (2008) Fluoride supplements, dental caries and fluorosis: a systematic review. J Am Dent Assoc 139: 1457–1468. pmid:18978383
- 64. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Sheiham A, Logan S (2003) Fluoride toothpastes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd002278. pmid:12535435
- 65. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Sheiham A, Logan S (2004) Combinations of topical fluoride (toothpastes, mouthrinses, gels, varnishes) versus single topical fluoride for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd002781. pmid:14973992
- 66. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Logan S, Sheiham A (2003) Topical fluoride (toothpastes, mouthrinses, gels or varnishes) for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd002782. pmid:14583954
- 67. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Logan S, Sheiham A (2003) Fluoride mouthrinses for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd002284. pmid:12917928
- 68. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Sheiham A, Logan S (2004) One topical fluoride (toothpastes, or mouthrinses, or gels, or varnishes) versus another for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd002780. pmid:14973991
- 69. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Logan S, Sheiham A (2002) Fluoride gels for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd002280. pmid:12076446
- 70. Marinho VC, Worthington HV, Walsh T, Clarkson JE (2013) Fluoride varnishes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 7: Cd002279. pmid:23846772
- 71. Santos AP, Oliveira BH, Nadanovsky P (2013) Effects of low and standard fluoride toothpastes on caries and fluorosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Caries Res 47: 382–390. pmid:23572031
- 72. Dos Santos AP, Nadanovsky P, de Oliveira BH (2012) A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of fluoride toothpastes on the prevention of dental caries in the primary dentition of preschool children. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol.
- 73. Walsh T, Worthington HV, Glenny AM, Appelbe P, Marinho VC, et al. (2010) Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd007868. pmid:20091655
- 74. Wright JT, Hanson N, Ristic H, Whall CW, Estrich CG, et al. (2014) Fluoride toothpaste efficacy and safety in children younger than 6 years: a systematic review. J Am Dent Assoc 145: 182–189. pmid:24487610
- 75. Wong MC, Glenny AM, Tsang BW, Lo EC, Worthington HV, et al. (2010) Topical fluoride as a cause of dental fluorosis in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd007693. pmid:20091645
- 76. Hujoel PP (2013) Vitamin D and dental caries in controlled clinical trials: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev 71: 88–97. pmid:23356636
- 77. Hujoel PP, Cunha-Cruz J, Banting DW, Loesche WJ (2006) Dental flossing and interproximal caries: a systematic review. J Dent Res 85: 298–305. pmid:16567548
- 78. Moynihan PJ, Kelly SA (2014) Effect on caries of restricting sugars intake: systematic review to inform WHO guidelines. J Dent Res 93: 8–18. pmid:24323509
- 79. Twetman S, Keller MK (2012) Probiotics for caries prevention and control. Adv Dent Res 24: 98–102. pmid:22899689
- 80. Zhang Q, van Palenstein Helderman WH, van’t Hof MA, Truin GJ (2006) Chlorhexidine varnish for preventing dental caries in children, adolescents and young adults: a systematic review. Eur J Oral Sci 114: 449–455. pmid:17184224
- 81. Ammari JB, Baqain ZH, Ashley PF (2007) Effects of programs for prevention of early childhood caries. A systematic review. Med Princ Pract 16: 437–442. pmid:17917443
- 82. Bader JD, Rozier RG, Lohr KN, Frame PS (2004) Physicians’ roles in preventing dental caries in preschool children: a summary of the evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Am J Prev Med 26: 315–325. pmid:15110059
- 83. Bhaskar V, McGraw KA, Divaris K (2014) The importance of preventive dental visits from a young age: systematic review and current perspectives. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent 8: 21–27. pmid:24672258
- 84. Tellez M, Gomez J, Kaur S, Pretty IA, Ellwood R, et al. (2012) Non-surgical management methods of noncavitated carious lesions. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol.
- 85. Ferreira JM, Pinheiro SL, Sampaio FC, de Menezes VA (2012) Caries removal in primary teeth—a systematic review. Quintessence Int 43: e9–15. pmid:22259813
- 86. Simancas-Pallares MA, Diaz-Caballero AJ, Luna-Ricardo LM (2010) Mineral trioxide aggregate in primary teeth pulpotomy. A systematic literature review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 15: e942–946. pmid:20526246
- 87. Chi DL (2013) Dental caries prevalence in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a qualitative systematic review and recommendations for future research. Int J Paediatr Dent 23: 376–386. pmid:23758751
- 88. Källestål C, Norlund A, Söder B, Nordenram G, Dahlgren H, et al. (2003) Economic evaluation of dental caries prevention: a systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand 61: 341–346. pmid:14960005
- 89. Aartman IH, van Everdingen T, Hoogstraten J, Schuurs AH (1998) Self-report measurements of dental anxiety and fear in children: a critical assessment. ASDC J Dent Child 65: 252–258, 229–230. pmid:9740944
- 90. Ahovuo-Saloranta A, Hiiri A, Nordblad A, Makela M, Worthington HV (2008) Pit and fissure sealants for preventing dental decay in the permanent teeth of children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd001830. pmid:18843625
- 91. Ahovuo-Saloranta A, Hiiri A, Nordblad A, Worthington H, Makela M (2004) Pit and fissure sealants for preventing dental decay in the permanent teeth of children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd001830. pmid:15266455
- 92. Aleksejuniene J, Brondani MA, Pattanaporn K, Brukiene V (2010) Best practices for dental sealants in community service-learning. J Dent Educ 74: 951–960. pmid:20837736
- 93. Alves Filho P, Santos RV, Vettore MV (2014) [Factors associated with dental caries and periodontal diseases in Latin American indigenous peoples: a systematic review]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 35: 67–77. pmid:24626450
- 94. Azarpazhooh A, Main PA (2008) Pit and fissure sealants in the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review. J Can Dent Assoc 74: 171–177. pmid:18353204
- 95. Azarpazhooh A, Main PA (2009) Fluoride varnish in the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Hawaii Dent J 40: 6–7, 10–13; quiz 17. pmid:20043452
- 96. Azarpazhooh A, Main PA (2009) Efficacy of dental prophylaxis (rubber cup) for the prevention of caries and gingivitis: a systematic review of literature. Br Dent J 207: E14; discussion 328–329. pmid:19816459
- 97. Bader JD, Shugars DA (2006) The evidence supporting alternative management strategies for early occlusal caries and suspected occlusal dentinal caries. J Evid Based Dent Pract 6: 91–100. pmid:17138407
- 98. Beirne P, Clarkson JE, Worthington HV (2007) Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd004346. pmid:17943814
- 99. Brocklehurst P, Price J, Glenny AM, Tickle M, Birch S, et al. (2013) The effect of different methods of remuneration on the behaviour of primary care dentists. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 11: CD009853. pmid:24194456
- 100. Chou R, Cantor A, Zakher B, Mitchell JP, Pappas M (2013) Preventing dental caries in children <5 years: systematic review updating USPSTF recommendation. Pediatrics 132: 332–350. pmid:23858419
- 101. Delpier T, Giordana S, Wedin BM (2013) Decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in the rural adolescent population. J Pediatr Health Care 27: 470–478. pmid:22932228
- 102. Castilho AR, Mialhe FL, Barbosa Tde S, Puppin-Rontani RM (2013) Influence of family environment on children’s oral health: a systematic review. J Pediatr (Rio J) 89: 116–123. pmid:23642420
- 103. Frencken JE, Leal SC, Navarro MF (2012) Twenty-five-year atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) approach: a comprehensive overview. Clin Oral Investig 16: 1337–1346. pmid:22824915
- 104. Font-Ribera L, Garcia-Continente X, Davo-Blanes MC, Ariza C, Diez E, et al. (2014) [The study of social inequalities in child and adolescent health in Spain.]. Gac Sanit.
- 105. Gawade PL, Hudson MM, Kaste SC, Neglia JP, Constine LS, et al. (2014) A systematic review of dental late effects in survivors of childhood cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 61: 407–416. pmid:24424790
- 106. Haugejorden O (1996) Using the DMF gender difference to assess the “major” role of fluoride toothpastes in the caries decline in industrialized countries: a meta-analysis. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 24: 369–375. pmid:9007351
- 107. Ijaz S, Croucher RE, Marinho VC (2010) Systematic reviews of topical fluorides for dental caries: a review of reporting practice. Caries Res 44: 579–592. pmid:21150202
- 108. Kantovitz KR, Pascon FM, Rontani RM, Gaviao MB (2006) Obesity and dental caries—A systematic review. Oral Health Prev Dent 4: 137–144. pmid:16813143
- 109. Khan SQ (2014) Dental caries in Arab League countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Dent J.
- 110. Llodra JC, Bravo M, Delgado-Rodriguez M, Baca P, Galvez R (1993) Factors influencing the effectiveness of sealants—a meta-analysis. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 21: 261–268. pmid:8222598
- 111. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Logan S, Sheiham A (2002) Fluoride varnishes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd002279. pmid:12137653
- 112. Marino RJ, Khan AR, Morgan M (2013) Systematic review of publications on economic evaluations of caries prevention programs. Caries Res 47: 265–272. pmid:23407213
- 113. Matharu LM, Ashley PF (2005) Sedation of anxious children undergoing dental treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: Cd003877. pmid:15846685
- 114. Marinho VC (2009) Cochrane reviews of randomized trials of fluoride therapies for preventing dental caries. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 10: 183–191. pmid:19772849
- 115. Mejàre I, Lingström P, Petersson LG, Holm AK, Twetman S, et al. (2003) Caries-preventive effect of fissure sealants: a systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand 61: 321–330. pmid:14960003
- 116. Ribeiro NM, Ribeiro MA (2004) [Breastfeeding and early childhood caries: a critical review]. J Pediatr (Rio J) 80: S199–210. pmid:15583771
- 117. Salone LR, Vann WF Jr., Dee DL (2013) Breastfeeding: an overview of oral and general health benefits. J Am Dent Assoc 144: 143–151. pmid:23372130
- 118. Skinner J, Johnson G, Phelan C, Blinkhorn A (2013) Dental caries in 14- and 15-year-olds in New South Wales, Australia. BMC Public Health 13: 1060. pmid:24209635
- 119. Steyn NP, Temple NJ (2012) Evidence to support a food-based dietary guideline on sugar consumption in South Africa. BMC Public Health 12: 502. pmid:22762394
- 120. Tanzer JM, Livingston J, Thompson AM (2001) The microbiology of primary dental caries in humans. J Dent Educ 65: 1028–1037. pmid:11699974
- 121. Theodoratou E, Tzoulaki I, Zgaga L, Ioannidis JP (2014) Vitamin D and multiple health outcomes: umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised trials. BMJ 348: g2035. pmid:24690624
- 122. Treasure ET, Chestnutt IG, Whiting P, McDonagh M, Wilson P, et al. (2002) The York review—a systematic review of public water fluoridation: a commentary. Br Dent J 192: 495–497. pmid:12047121
- 123. Weyant RJ, Tracy SL, Anselmo TT, Beltran-Aguilar ED, Donly KJ, et al. (2013) Topical fluoride for caries prevention: executive summary of the updated clinical recommendations and supporting systematic review. J Am Dent Assoc 144: 1279–1291. pmid:24177407
- 124. Grant MJ, Booth A (2009) A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Info Libr J 26: 91–108. pmid:19490148
- 125. Smail-Faugeron V, Fron Chabouis H, Durieux P, Attal JP, Muller-Bolla M, et al. (2013) Development of a core set of outcomes for randomized controlled trials with multiple outcomes—example of pulp treatments of primary teeth for extensive decay in children. PLoS One 8: e51908. pmid:23300955
- 126. Rotfyllning SBU. En systematisk litteraturöversikt. Stockholm: Statens beredning för medicinsk utvärdering (SBU); 2010 SBU-rapport nr 203. In Swedish. Summary in English.ISBN 978–91–85413–39–3.