Introduction
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children, significantly affecting oral health, overall well-being, and quality of life. Although it is largely preventable, dental caries continues to impact millions of children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and underserved populations.
The causes of dental caries are multifactorial and include dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, fluoride exposure, socioeconomic status, and access to oral healthcare. If not detected or treated early, dental caries can lead to pain, infection, difficulties with eating and speech, school absenteeism, and economic burdens.
Early detection and preventive strategies are essential for stopping the progression of carious lesions and preserving teeth. Several interventions have been evaluated in numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including fluoride varnishes, fissure sealants, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), oral health education, and school-based public health initiatives. These studies provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these preventive measures.
Objective
This systematic review evaluated the clinical outcomes of early detection and preventive interventions in managing dental caries among children.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering RCTs published between January 2023 and January 2024.
Results
Out of 785 articles, eight RCTs met the eligibility criteria. The included studies assessed interventions such as fluoride varnish, resin-based and glass ionomer sealants, SDF, and school-based oral health programs. These strategies significantly reduce dental caries incidence, arrest lesion progression, and improve oral health behaviours. Fissure sealants and fluoride varnishes demonstrated comparable efficacy, while frequent applications of SDF proved especially effective in arresting early dental caries. School-based interventions that combined education with preventive care emerged as both cost-effective and impactful. Most included studies were of low to moderate risk of bias.
Conclusions
This systematic review highlights the strong evidence supporting early detection and preventive strategies in reducing the burden of dental caries among children. Interventions such as fluoride varnish, fissure sealants, and silver diamine fluoride, particularly when applied frequently or in combination, are clinically effective across various pediatric populations and settings. School- and community-based programs that integrate education with preventive care offer an especially impactful and scalable approach. Early, evidence-based interventions not only prevent the onset and progression of dental caries but also promote long-term oral health in children, making them essential components of both clinical practice and public health policy.
