A study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Faculty of Dentistry, in collaboration with several international institutions, has demonstrated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting gingivitis or gum inflammation from intraoral photographs.
Published in the International Dental Journal, the study emphasizes the potential of AI to revolutionize the early detection of oral and systemic diseases linked to gum inflammation, such as tooth loss, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
AI algorithms were used to analyze over 567 intraoral photographs to detect signs of inflammation like redness, swelling, and bleeding along the gum margin.
The AI model achieved more than 90% accuracy, matching the visual examination done by a dentist.
The technology enables wide-scale monitoring of gum health, leading to more personalized dental care.
Dr. Walter Yu-Hang Lam, the study’s leading HKU researcher, highlights the potential of AI as a valuable screening tool in detecting gum disease, enabling earlier intervention, and better health outcomes.
The research involved collaboration between HKU Faculty of Dentistry, Hong Kong Chu Hai College’s Department of Computer Science, Guangdong University of Technology’s School of Information Engineering, and the Faculty of Dentistry at The National University of Malaysia.
This interdisciplinary effort led to the development of an AI model with accurate detection capabilities.
The next stage of the project involves utilizing the AI system for community services, focusing on accessibility to elderly and underserved communities, with the goal of improving oral health outcomes and reducing health disparities.
This research signifies an important advancement in dentistry where AI has already been exploring applications like detecting cavities, predicting treatment outcomes, and designing artificial teeth.
Dr. Reinhard Chun-Wang Chau, an HKU co-investigator, emphasizes the benefits of using intraoral photographs with AI, allowing patients to identify areas needing better cleaning and seeking professional help sooner.
The successful use of AI in detecting gum inflammation represents a promising development that could significantly alter the detection, treatment, and prevention of gum disease.
By demonstrating the accuracy and efficiency of AI in this field, the study underscores the transformative potential of this technology in dental care and paves the way for more personalized and preventative oral health measures.
The focus on making this technology accessible to a broader segment of the population reflects a commitment to utilizing technological innovation for the greater well-being of the community.
If you care about dental health, please read studies about the best food for tooth and gum health, and how to prevent and reverse gum disease.
For more information about dental health, please see recent studies about diabetes and gum disease, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
The study was published in International Dental Journal.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
