Objectives To analyze the effect of improved oven for defluorination in coal-burning endemic fluorosis areas in China, and to provide evidence for the prevention and control of fluorosis. Methods Electronic databases including CNKI, CBM, VIP and CDMD-D (1989 to 2005), were searched. We also checked the reference lists of relevant articles. We selected relevant articles according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality was assessed . Data on room heat preservation and the effect of improved oven for defluorination were collected in the surveillance spots of Three Gorges Reservoir. Correlation analyses were conducted between the improved oven and its effect parameters. Results Twelve articles of low quality met the selection criteria, of which 9 were graded C and 3 were graded D in terms of the methodological quality. A negative correlation was found between the decreasing rate of normal oven use and the decreasing rate of dental fluorosis as well as of urine fluorine (Pearson correlation coefficient r = – 0.87, – 0.63, Plt;0.01, lt;0.05, respectively). Analysis also revealed a positive correlation between room heat preservation and the decreasing rate of dental fluorosis as well as of normal oven use (the two Spearman correlation coefficients and P values were the same: r = –1.00, Plt;0.01). Conclusion High-quality studies on the effect of improved oven for defluorination in China are not available. Based on the current evidence, the improved oven for defluorination and the correct use, maintenance and house rebuilding for heat preservation may help to prevent fluorosis.