Is there a preferable management for root caries in middle-aged and older adults? A systematic review

Aim This systematic review aimed to critically summarise the results of clinical studies investigating agents able to: stop the progression of carious lesions; stop the development of new root carious lesions; preserve the vitality of the infected dental tissues; and increase the surface hardness or change of surface texture, in middle-age and older adults.Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched systematically, following PRISMA guidelines. Clinical trials published from 2011 to 2020 (March) were included. This systematic review is registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018104399). Languages were restricted to English.Results Thirteen of 312 studies were eligible for this review. Eight agents were identified in the studies and their efficacy was assessed using different methods. The agents that presented valuable results on preventing or arresting root caries were 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF), arginine-containing toothpaste and high-fluoride toothpastes.Conclusions Based on the selected studies' findings, annual applications of 38% SDF could be the most effective treatment for root caries in older adults. In addition, the daily use of a 1.5% arginine toothpaste or a high-fluoride toothpaste could also be recommended. More research on root caries-specific diagnostic methods, especially at very early stages, is necessary.