Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries
Walsh T, Worthington HV, Glenny AM, Marinho VC, Jeroncic A
Published in Cochrane Database Syst Rev, Vol. 3 (3), pp. CD007868
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and network meta-analysis of 96 randomised trials (follow-up mostly 36 months) comparing fluoride toothpaste with non-fluoride toothpaste or with other fluoride concentrations, with caries increment (D(M)FS/T) as the primary outcome.
Key Findings
High- and moderate-certainty evidence that 1,000 to 1,250 ppm and 1,450 to 1,500 ppm fluoride toothpaste reduce caries increments versus non-fluoride toothpaste in children and adolescents (SMD -0.28 and -0.36). 1,450 to 1,500 ppm was slightly better than 1,000 to 1,250 ppm (SMD -0.08). In adults, 1,000 or 1,100 ppm reduced DMFS increment (MD -0.53, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.04; moderate certainty). Few trials reported adverse effects, which were minimal when reported.
Conclusions
Supports fluoride toothpaste for preventing caries; evidence for differences between concentrations is more limited, and the concentration for young children should be balanced against fluorosis risk.
Limitations
Certainty was low for most concentration-to-concentration comparisons, and most trials are old (1955 to 2014).
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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