ReviewClinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry2026
Fluoride-Free Toothpastes for Caries Prevention: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence on Active Ingredients.
Review in Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Objective: To systematically identify and evaluate clinical trials assessing the caries-preventive efficacy of fluoride-free active ingredients in toothpaste formulations. Data: Randomized clinical trials analyzing the caries preventive effect of fluoride-free active ingredients in toothpastes. Sources: A PRISMA-related systematic review of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted. Inclusion criteria were human in vivo clinical trials on toothpastes, fluoride-free interventions, and caries-focused outcomes; exclusion criteria were in vitro or animal studies, non-toothpaste products, fluoride-only products, and non-English publications. The review followed the PICO framework: Population - participants of all ages with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition; Intervention - use of a toothpaste with a non-fluoride active ingredient; Comparison - a fluoride-containing toothpaste as control; Outcome - a measurable oral health effect based on in vivo caries estimation. Study Selection: Fifteen clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Eleven used fluoride-free, non-therapeutic abrasive toothpastes as placebo controls. Three trials evaluated the caries-preventing efficacy of fluoride-free hydroxyapatite toothpastes across children, adolescents, and adults; one trial evaluated the caries-preventive efficacy of fluoride-free arginine toothpaste in children. Conclusion: Caries prevention relies on reducing sugar intake and thorough daily oral care, with toothpaste, containing evolving combinations of remineralizing agents, antibacterials, and abrasives, playing a central role. With growing global interest in fluoride-free options, this literature review shows that clinically proven fluoride alternatives are already in use. Clinical Significance: This review provides evidence-based guidance for dentists when recommending fluoride-free toothpastes to patients.
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Registered trials
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