Artificial intelligence (AI) can detect gum inflammation, or gingivitis, from intraoral photographs with over 90% accuracy, according to a study recently published in the International Dental Journal.
Collaborating researchers, led by dental faculty at the University of Hong Kong, reported that AI could analyze intraoral photographs of patients and diagnose inflammation with over 90% accuracy, matching the performance of dentists.
The researchers used a dataset of 567 images of gums with varying degrees of inflammation. Based on the results, AI can be a valuable screening tool in detecting and diagnosing gum disease and could lead to earlier intervention and better health outcomes, the study’s authors posited (Int Dent J, April 26, 2023).
Three cases illustrating a dentist's visual examination and AI's detection of gum problems. (a) Intraoral photograph, (b) health status labeled by a calibrated dentist (green = healthy, red = diseased, yellow = questionable), (c) AI detection results.Image courtesy of Hong Kong University Faculty of Dentistry.
The team comprised researchers from Hong Kong University, Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Guangdong University of Technology, and the National University of Malaysia. They plan to use the AI system for community services to improve oral health outcomes and reduce health disparities by making the technology more accessible.
