AI-detected gingivitis: a new tool for community healthcare
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong have developed an AI system capable of detecting gum inflammation from photographs with remarkable accuracy, opening doors for early intervention and a new approach to oral healthcare.
Researchers at the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong have used artificial intelligence to detect gum inflammation from photographs taken by dental patients. This could help prevent diseases linked to gum inflammation, including tooth loss, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
The study shows how AI algorithms can identify signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding along the gum line. The AI matched a dentist's visual examination with over 90% accuracy. This method could enable population-wide gum health monitoring and more personalised dental care.
The project was a collaboration between the HKU Faculty of Dentistry, the Department of Computer Science at Hong Kong Chu Hai College, the School of Information Engineering at Guangdong University of Technology, and the Faculty of Dentistry at The National University of Malaysia. Researchers developed an AI model using over 567 images of gums with varying degrees of inflammation.
Dr Walter Yu-Hang Lam, the lead HKU researcher, believes the AI could be valuable in detecting and diagnosing gum disease, leading to early intervention and better health outcomes. "Our study shows that AI can be a valuable screening tool in detecting and diagnosing gum disease, allowing earlier intervention and better health outcomes for the population."
The use of AI in dentistry has been growing, with applications ranging from detecting cavities to predicting treatment outcomes and designing artificial teeth. The use of AI in gum inflammation detection could change how gum disease is detected, treated, and prevented.
Dr. Reinhard Chun-Wang Chau, one of the co-investigators, sees benefits in using intraoral photographs with AI technology. He suggests that patients can address areas they did not clean well and seek dentist help earlier. "Patients can address areas that they did not clean well and seek dentist help at an earlier stage."
The study is a testament to interdisciplinary research, with experts from different fields developing an accurate gum inflammation detection AI model with significant implications for public health.
Dr Lam plans to utilise the AI system for community services, making the technology more accessible to elderly and underserved communities to improve oral health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
The study, Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence-Based Photographic Detection of Gingivitis, is available on the International Dental Journal's website. To view the publication click here.