Glass ionomer restorations and caries prevention

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This review of the effectiveness of glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations in preventing new caries in primary or permanent dentitions included 10 RCTs. The findings suggest that GIC restorations have a better preventive effect that other materials but the amount and quality of evidence is limited.

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Sealants for primary molar teeth

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This Cochrane review of the effects of sealants compared to no sealant or a different sealant in preventing pit and fissure caries on the occlusal surfaces of primary molars in children. Nine small RCTs were included providing limited evidence of low to very low certainty.

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Developmental enamel defects – are they related to preterm birth?

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This review of the possible association between preterm birth and developmental defects of enamel (DDE) included 20 observational studies and suggest an increased risk of DDE in preterm children.

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Early childhood caries: Preventive interventions for pregnant and nursing mothers and other primary caregivers

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This Cochrane review asessing interventions with pregnant women, new mothers or other primary caregivers of infants in the first year of life for preventing early childhood caries included 17 RCTs .

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Pulp treatments in primary teeth

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This Cochrane review of pulp treatments for primary teeth included 87 trials. Pulp treatments were generally successful with many trials having no clinical or radiological failure in either arm.
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) may be the best medicament to apply after pulpotomy. For pulpectomy there was no conclusive evidence that one medicament or technique is superior to another.

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Chemomechanical caries removal in primary teeth

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This review of the effectiveness of chemomechanical caries removal in primary teeth identified 15 studies with 10 contributing to the quantitative analysis. The findings suggest this approach is less painful but takes longer than traditional approaches.

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Cleft lip and palate patients have higher caries experience

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Twenty four studies were included in this review of caries status in children with cleft lip and palate. The findings suggest that caries experience in higher in children with cleft lip and palate in both primary and permanent dentition

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Crowns more effective than fillings for decay in primary molar teeth

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Five RCTs were included in this Cochrane review comparing crowns with fillings for the management of caries in primary molars. Moderate evidence found crowns reduced the risk of major failure or pain in the long term compared to fillings

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Sealants reduced caries in high-risk primary molars

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This split-mouth trial conducted in 4-5 year old children found that sealants were superior to fluoride varnish applications in preventing the development and progression of caries in occlusal surfaces of primary molars over 1 year.

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Pulpectomy in primary molars: little difference with 3 filing materials

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This small trial compared the success rates of 3 different filling materials (RC Fill, Vitapex and Pulpdent ) following pulpectomy in primary molars. At 30 months there were no significant differences between the groups.

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