Objective: To conduct a systematic review of identifying the clinical efficacy of caries preventive interventions in community-dwelling elders. Background: As the human lifespan increases, the elders are known to retain their teeth for longer. Therefore, the need to uncover effective ways of preventing caries among this age group is relevant. Methods: A search was conducted using four databases: Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science using the keywords (caries OR demineralization) AND prevention AND (adult OR aged). The titles and abstracts were initially screened for the use of caries prevention interventions. Studies were excluded based on the predetermined criteria. The full texts of the remaining studies were then evaluated. Results: Of 6952 articles identified from the search, fifty full texts were evaluated. Finally, ten studies were analyzed. One study found rinsing with 0.05% of NaF twice daily resulted in lower coronal caries increment. Another study reported the use of 1,100 ppm of NaF dentifrice twice daily showed lower percentage of coronal and root caries. A reduction of root caries was observed from using 5,000 ppm fluoridated toothpaste twice daily, annual professional 38% SDF solution application, six-monthly professional cleaning and APF gel application. The use of 0.12% CHX rinse and xylitol chewing gum did not show reduction of caries incidence. Conclusion: Toothbrushing with 5,000 ppm of NaF dentifrice, rinsing with 0.05% NaF, professional application of 38% SDF solution and APF gel may be effective at preventing caries among the elders.
Poor oral health has been associated with several chronic and systemic disease. Currently, the most common method of teeth cleaning is the use of a toothbrush together with dentifrices. However, natural chewing stick such as S. persica miswak is still used in many developing countries due to their low cost and availability. The present review aims to summarize the evidences on effectiveness of miswak in promoting oral health. The search was performed using Medline via Ebscohost, Scopus and Google Scholar database to obtain relevant articles published between 2010 to May 2020 using the following set of keywords 1) Miswak OR Salvadora OR persica AND 2) dental OR caries OR plaque OR oral OR orthodontics. Isolated microbial inhibition studies were excluded from the review due to its well-established wealth of literature. Miswak was administered as ten different forms, namely mouthwash, toothpaste, chewing stick, essential oil, aqueous extract, ethanol extract, probiotic spray, dental varnish, dental cement or chewing gum. All studies reported a positive effect of miswak as an anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis, anti-cariogenic, promotion of gingival wound healing, whitening properties, orthodontic chain preservation, and biocompatibility with oral cells. Miswak in its different forms demonstrated positive effect towards oral health maintenance and management.