Twenty-two studies were included (n not reported): 14 RCTs; two matched cohorts; three non-randomised studies; one controlled clinical trial; one cohort study with historical control; and one cross-sectional study.
Dental health education (five studies): Three medium quality RCTs reported a significant reduction in early childhood caries in intervention groups. Two low quality matched cohort studies reported no significant reduction.
Fluoride or fluoride-based community interventions (six studies): Five studies (two medium quality RCTs, one low quality RCT, one low quality controlled clinical trial and one low quality cohort study) reported a significant reduction in early childhood caries in intervention groups. One low quality cross-sectional study reported no significant reduction.
Antimicrobials (four studies): Three RCTs (two medium and one low quality) reported no significant reduction in early childhood caries. One low quality RCT reported a significant reduction in white spots associated with the intervention.
Dental material (one study): One medium quality RCT reported no significant reduction in caries with glass ionomer cement.
Mother-child prevention (six studies): All but one study reported positive intervention effects. Two medium quality RCTs reported fewer caries in children whose mothers chewed xylitol gum during the tooth eruption period compared with fluoride or chlorhexidine varnish or gum. Three low quality non-randomised studies reported a significant reduction in early childhood caries in intervention groups. One low quality RCT reported a limited effect on early childhood caries of a comprehensive preventative programme.