A team of international researchers, led by the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has made an important breakthrough.
They’ve used artificial intelligence (AI) to spot gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, from photographs taken inside the mouth. Their collaboration included institutions from Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Malaysia.
Subheading: The Power of AI in Dentistry
Gum inflammation can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Catching it early is crucial. Now, AI technology can help do that.
The research, published in the International Dental Journal, showed that AI algorithms were able to look at pictures of patients’ mouths and spot signs of inflammation like redness, swelling, and bleeding.
The AI was more than 90% accurate, just as good as a dentist’s check-up. This is a big step forward for dentistry and could change how we prevent and treat oral diseases.
The Study’s Implications
The team of researchers tested their AI on over 567 pictures of gums, some healthy and some inflamed. Dr. Walter Yu-Hang Lam from HKU, who led the study, said the results were significant.
Many people don’t go to the dentist regularly and only go when they’re in pain. By that point, the tooth is often beyond saving. AI could help spot problems early on, so they can be treated before it’s too late.
AI’s Growing Role in Dentistry
The use of AI in dentistry has been growing. Researchers are exploring how it can be used to find cavities, predict how treatments will go, and even help design artificial teeth.
This new use of AI to spot gum inflammation is a promising development. It could change how we detect, treat, and prevent gum disease.
Benefits of AI and Intraoral Photographs
Dr. Reinhard Chun-Wang Chau, another researcher from HKU, highlighted the benefits of combining AI with intraoral photographs.
Patients can use these pictures to see areas they’re not cleaning well and get help from a dentist sooner.
Power of Collaboration and Future Goals
This study shows what can be achieved when experts from different fields and countries work together. The next step for the team is to use this AI technology to help communities.
Dr. Lam plans to make the technology available to older people and communities who don’t have easy access to dental care. The goal is to improve oral health and reduce health disparities.
This AI system could revolutionize dental care, making it easier to spot and treat gum disease before it causes serious problems.
If you care about tooth health, please read studies that diabetes may weaken your teeth and lead to tooth decay, and effective prevention for tooth decay.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about breakfast linked to better blood vessel health, and drinking too much coffee could harm people with high blood pressure.
The study was published in International Dental Journal.
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