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Prevalence of root caries in Indian population – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence-Based Dentistry volume 24, page 192 (2023)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the pooled prevalence of root caries among Indian population through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

The study protocol adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022367365). Research articles published in English language till July 2022 were evaluated with the use of databases like PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Scopus and employed standard Boolean operators.

Results

The search turned up a total of 194 articles; however, only 14 of those matched the requirements for inclusion and were used to compile the meta-analysis. MedCalc® Statistical Software version 20.2 was used to determine the pooled estimates. Using the random effect model, the analysis was carried out. By estimating the heterogeneity using Higgins’ I2 statistics, the extent and importance of differences between the chosen studies were ascertained. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. The random effects model yielded a pooled prevalence of 27.617 (95% CI = 17.422–39.154).

Conclusion

Three out of ten persons in India may be affected by root caries, which is a serious health issue. To enhance the quality of life for the aged population, oral health policies and preventive actions should concentrate on this issue.

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Data availability

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings in this study are available within the article.

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Funding

The study was self-funded.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India

    Jyothi Shetty, Mithra Hegde & Darshana Devadiga

  2. Department of Biostatistics, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India

    Neevan D’Souza

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  1. Jyothi Shetty
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  2. Mithra Hegde
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Contributions

JS performed the systematic literature search, wrote the initial manuscript draft and performed the final formatting. MH conceptualized the manuscript, reviewed and edited the initial draft. DD reviewed and edited the initial draft. ND performed the statistical analysis and edited the initial draft. All authors agreed on the final version of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mithra Hegde.

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Shetty, J., Hegde, M., Devadiga, D. et al. Prevalence of root caries in Indian population – a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Dent 24, 192 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-023-00921-4

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