Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which treatment duration was of at least 1 year and incidence of surface caries was evaluated at the end of this time.
Specific interventions included in the review
Chlorhexidine applied as either a gel, paste or rinse.
Participants included in the review
Children in the age range 11 to 15 years, mostly selected as being at a high caries risk, were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Prevention fraction (difference in number of new decayed and filled surfaces between the control and chlorhexidine groups, divided by the number of new decayed and filled surfaces in the control group).
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The papers were selected by two independent reviewers. Studies were selected on comparability for dental and methodological reasons. In addition, all studies had to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine application to permanent teeth for 11 to 15 year old children.