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Home › Conditions › Dental Caries

Dental Caries

16 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Dental Caries

75 trials tracked for Dental Caries: 14 in phase 3 or 4 and 4 with published results. The most-cited published study has 366 citations.

75Trials tracked
14Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
4With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 3 Phase 3 11 Phase 2 12 Phase 1 2 Other / NA 47
  1. Phase 4 MI Varnish and MI Paste Plus in a Caries Prevention and Remineralization Study Completed · 366 cited
  2. Phase 3 Prevention of Adult Caries Study (PACS) Completed · 34 cited
  3. Phase 4 Effect of Dentifrice Usage Regime on Delivery and Efficacy of Fluoride Completed · 23 cited
  4. Phase 3 Preventing and Arresting Dental Root Surface Caries in Community-dwelling Older Adults Completed · 23 cited
  5. Phase 4 Enamel Remineralization Potential of Dentifrices in Situ Completed
  6. Phase 3 Reducing Bacteria That Cause Tooth Decay Completed
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Stopping Cavities Study: Diammine Silver Fluoride Completed
  2. Phase 3 Antibacterial Effect of Nano Silver Fluoride vs Chlorhexidine on Occlusal Carious Molars Treated With Partial Caries Removal Technique Completed
  3. Phase 3 Fluoride Release,Compressive Strength and Clinical Performance of a Bioactive Restorative Material in ART Completed
  4. Phase 3 Fluoride Varnish Randomized Clinical Trial Completed
  5. Phase 3 Healozone Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of the Use of Ozone for Management of Dental Caries Completed
  6. Phase 3 Evaluation of Plaque Fluid Fluoride Retention From Fluoride Toothpastes Completed
  7. Phase 3 Effect of pH and Fluoride Concentration of Dentifrices on Caries Control Completed
  8. Phase 3 A Clinical Study to Evaluate Experimental Children's Toothpastes in an In-Situ Caries Model Completed
  9. Phase 2 Glass Ionomer Sealant and Fluoride Varnish Study to Prevent Early Childhood Caries Completed
  10. Phase 2 A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Microbiology of C16G2 Varnish Administered in Multiple Doses to Dental Subjects Completed
  11. Phase 2 A Study to Evaluate the Microbiology, Safety and Tolerability of C16G2 Dental Strip Application Completed
  12. Phase 2 A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Microbiology, Safety and Tolerability of C16G2 Varnish and Strip in Adolescent and Adult Subjects Completed
  13. Phase 2 Evaluation of Oral Plaque Removal Utilizing an Adjunct Enzyme Pre-rinse Completed
  14. Phase 2 MTA/FS Pulpotomy for Vital Primary Incisors: A Randomized Controlled Trial Completed
  15. Phase 2 Self Assembling Peptide P11-4 in Patients With Early Occlusal Carious Lesions Completed
  16. Phase 2 Pharmacokinetics of Advantage Anti-Caries Varnish Completed
  17. Phase 2 Effect of CPP-ACP Paste on Dental Caries in Primary Teeth Completed
  18. Phase 2 Pharmacokinetics of Advantage Arrest Completed
  19. Phase 2 Pharmacokinetics of Advantage Arrest in Children Completed
  20. Phase 2 Efficacy Of A PVP-I Fluoride Varnish Completed
  21. Phase 1 Safety Evaluation of Advantage Anti-Caries Varnish Completed
  22. Phase 1 Effect of Calcium Glycerophosphate (CaGP) - Fluoride Dentifrice on Dental Biofilm pH Completed
  23. N/A Validation of Near-infrared Light Transillumination for Interproximal Enamel Caries Detection Completed
  24. N/A Treatment of Interproximal Cavities on Primary Molar Teeth With Silver Diamine Fluoride Completed
  25. N/A Nobio Clinical Study - Demineralization Prevention With a New Antibacterial Restorative Composite Completed
  26. N/A Silver Diamine Fluoride and Papain-Based Gel for Management of MIH-affected Molar in Paediatric Patients Completed
  27. N/A Ecological Effect of Arginine Dentifrice on Oral Microbiota Completed
  28. N/A Implementing a Participatory, Multi-level Intervention to Improve Asian American Health Study Completed
  29. N/A Composites and Urinary Bisphenol-A Study Completed
  30. N/A Providers Against Cavities in Children's Teeth Completed
  31. N/A Healthy Hydration Pilot in Elementary Schools Completed
  32. N/A A Comparison of the Accurate Diagnosis of the Horizontal & Vertical Bitewing Images Completed
  33. N/A Evaluation of Oral Hygiene Products in an In Situ Caries Model Completed
  34. N/A Assessment of Caries Diagnosis and Caries Treatment in Dental PBRN Japan Completed
  35. N/A Clinical Evaluation of a Bulk Fill Resin Composite Completed
  36. N/A Prevention of Enamel Demineralization by Use of K18-smooth Surface Sealant Completed
  37. N/A European Study on Three Different Approaches to Managing Class 2 Cavities in Primary Teeth Completed
  38. N/A Conventional Bite Wing Radiography Versus Stationary Intraoral Tomosynthesis, a Comparison Study Completed
  39. N/A A Comparative Study of Papacarie® and the Conventional Method for Dental Caries Treatment Completed
  40. N/A Clinical Performance of Chairside CAD/CAM Restorations Completed
  41. N/A Clinical Performance of Incremental and Bulk Fill Composites in Class II Restorations Completed
  42. N/A Older Adult Effectiveness of 2 Treatments Completed
  43. N/A In Vivo Comparison of Salivary Fluoride Levels Following the Application of Different 5% NaF Varnishes Completed
  44. N/A Clinical Investigation of the F-Composite 2 System in Direct Filling Therapy Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 75 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found For clinicians

Dental Caries: what the trials found

Fluoride-based interventions demonstrate significant efficacy in improving enamel properties and reducing caries incidence. Specifically, fluoride varnishes have been shown to significantly reduce the number of new caries cases compared to other treatments 13. Research on various fluoride formulations indicates that NaF (1450ppmF) provides superior surface microhardness recovery (%SMHR) and higher enamel fluoride uptake compared to SnF/NaF or NaMFP/NaF combinations 3. Furthermore, specific fluoride dentifrices have been shown to improve surface microhardness relative to placebo 10 and increase the concentration of fluoride incorporated into biofilm over a 6-month period 12.

Clinical studies on caries progression show that high-concentration fluoride dentifrices are associated with lower rates of caries progression in children compared to low-fluoride or specific alternative formulations 12. Additionally, evidence suggests that the duration and quantity of brushing with certain experimental dentifrices significantly impact surface microhardness recovery 2. Other interventions, such as CPP-ACP 5% sodium fluoride varnish combined with 900ppm fluoride paste, were evaluated for white spot lesion scores 1.

Several other treatments have been evaluated in clinical trials without showing statistically significant differences in primary outcomes. Chlorhexidine acetate coating did not show a significant difference in total net or crude caries increments 4. Ozone treatment showed no significant difference in ICDAS severity values or lesion activity, though it did show a significant difference in the progression of radiographic scores at 12 months 14. Additionally, studies on Fuji IX EXTRA and certain fluoride-based materials for primary teeth did not show statistically significant differences in success rates 6, while iodine treatment did not result in significantly different microbial levels 9.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Bromelain was associated with a statistically significant difference in composite plaque scores 20.
  • A test varnish showed a statistically significant difference in the number of primary molars that were sound at baseline, though results for all primary teeth and child response to first treatment did not reach statistical significance 21.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Fluoride varnishes are effective in reducing the incidence of new caries cases 13.
  • High-concentration fluoride dentifrices (e.g., 1450ppmF) provide superior enamel microhardness recovery and fluoride uptake compared to some alternative combinations [3, 10].
  • The choice of fluoride concentration in dentifrices can significantly impact the amount of fluoride incorporated into biofilm and the subsequent rate of caries progression in children 12.

AI synthesis of 12 cited trials, updated Jun 23, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Bacteriophages show promise as targeted anti-caries agents in systematic review
Infectious Disease Sys. Review
Bacteriophages show promise as targeted anti-caries agents in systematic review Bacteriophages Show Promise Against Cavities
This systematic review summarizes advances in phage-based interventions for dental caries, including phages targeting S. mutans and Actinomy…
Viruses that target bacteria could one day help prevent and treat cavities by killing cavity-causing germs.
Frontiers Jul 28, 2026
Berberine exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects for managing various oral mucosal and dental conditions
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Berberine exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects for managing various oral mucosal and dental conditions Berberine Shows Potential for Treating Various Oral Health Conditions
This systematic review synthesizes the pharmacological properties of berberine in treating oral diseases including periodontitis, caries, an…
A review of berberine suggests it may help manage oral diseases like periodontitis and dental caries through its anti-inflammatory and antio…
Frontiers Jul 25, 2026
Sugar acts as a pivotal ecological factor influencing metabolism, biofilm formation, and interspecies interactions in dental caries
Infectious Disease Sys. Review
Sugar acts as a pivotal ecological factor influencing metabolism, biofilm formation, and interspecies interactions in dental caries New Strategies Help Prevent Dental Caries Through Ecological Management
This narrative review explores the role of dietary sugars and various prevention strategies like fluoride application and probiotics in mana…
Sugar plays a major role in how bacteria build plaque on teeth, but new strategies like probiotics and fluoride may help balance the oral mi…
Frontiers Jun 23, 2026
Oral diseases stem from disrupted host-microbiome-immune balance, narrative review argues
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
Oral diseases stem from disrupted host-microbiome-immune balance, narrative review argues New research explores how oral bacteria drive gum disease
This narrative review argues that periodontitis, dental caries, and oral squamous cell carcinoma should be understood as disorders of host-m…
Oral health depends on a delicate balance between your immune system, tissue barriers, and the trillions of microbes living in your mouth.
Frontiers Jun 22, 2026
Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk, and allergic diseases in children
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk, and allergic diseases in children Ultra-processed foods linked to childhood weight and heart risks
This narrative review synthesizes evidence regarding the impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) on pediatric health. High UPF intake is linked…
High intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to weight gain, metabolic issues, and higher rates of asthma and skin conditions in children.
Frontiers Jun 12, 2026
Advanced experimental models and computational tools provide dynamic frameworks for understanding oral disease progression
Neurology Sys. Review
Advanced experimental models and computational tools provide dynamic frameworks for understanding oral disease progression New Research Tools Help Map Complex Oral Diseases
This mini-review examines the integration of advanced experimental models, such as organ-on-chip systems and patient-derived organoids, with…
Advanced modeling and AI tools are helping researchers better understand the molecular causes behind conditions like gum disease and oral ca…
Frontiers Jun 9, 2026
Narrative review on resin infiltration for pediatric dental caries and quality of life
OB/GYN & Women's Health Sys. Review
Narrative review on resin infiltration for pediatric dental caries and quality of life Resin infiltration may improve kids' oral health quality of life
This narrative review synthesizes indirect evidence on resin infiltration for dental caries in children and adolescents. It suggests potenti…
A review suggests resin infiltration for cavities may reduce pain and anxiety in children, but direct evidence is limited.
Frontiers May 22, 2026
Narrative review of fluoride policies in Chile addresses misinformation and regulatory issues
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Narrative review of fluoride policies in Chile addresses misinformation and regulatory issues Fluoride in water and milk cuts cavities, review confirms
This narrative review examines the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of oral health fluoride policies and programs in Chile. The…
Adding fluoride to water or milk reduces tooth decay, but misinformation and uneven rules get in the way.
Frontiers May 21, 2026
Systematic review and meta-analysis of laser fluorescence devices for detecting dental caries in children
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of laser fluorescence devices for detecting dental caries in children Laser fluorescence devices show promise for spotting early tooth decay in children
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated laser fluorescence devices for diagnosing dental caries in children. Twenty-one studies w…
A review of twenty-one studies suggests laser tools help find early cavities in kids but should work alongside standard dental exams.
Frontiers May 19, 2026
Systematic review of pediatric dental caries transition probabilities across 11 studies
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Systematic review of pediatric dental caries transition probabilities across 11 studies Kids' Cavities Can Heal Themselves: New Tooth Decay Research Reveals Hope
This systematic review synthesizes data from 12 reports on 11 studies regarding transition probabilities between childhood dental health sta…
White spots on your child's teeth might heal without fillings, new research shows, changing how we understand early tooth decay and preventi…
Frontiers May 5, 2026
8% arginine dentifrice reduces caries in children aged 10 to 14 years
Drug Pipeline RCT
8% arginine dentifrice reduces caries in children aged 10 to 14 years High-Dose Arginine Beats Fluoride for Kids
This phase 3 randomized controlled trial in 6000 children aged 10 to 14 with active caries found that 8% arginine dentifrice reduced DMFS sc…
A new study proves that a specific type of toothpaste without fluoride can stop childhood cavities better than the standard option.
Apr 24, 2026
Systematic review examines oral microbiota associations with chronic kidney disease and early childhood caries
Urology Sys. Review
Systematic review examines oral microbiota associations with chronic kidney disease and early childhood caries Your Mouth Bacteria Could Be Secretly Affecting Your Kidneys
This systematic review summarizes literature regarding oral microbiota exposure in general and pediatric populations.
Keeping your mouth healthy might be a simple way to protect your kidneys and bladder.
Frontiers Apr 23, 2026

Questions about Dental Caries

Does drinking fluoridated water from U.S. systems help prevent dental caries?

Yes, fluoridated water helps prevent cavities by strengthening enamel and reducing acid damage, though many U.S. systems face challenges in maintaining optimal levels.

Full answer →
Can using an 8% arginine toothpaste reduce dental caries in teenagers?

Using an 8% arginine toothpaste significantly reduces dental caries in teenagers aged 10 to 14 by lowering decay scores compared to standard fluoride toothpaste.

Full answer →

All Dental Caries Articles