Researchers in Hong Kong have developed a new method using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify various dental problems in young children, particularly cavities, after a year-long study.
According to medical reports, experts from universities in Hong Kong and China spent a year examining the teeth of about 90 children aged between three and five. They used innovative AI tools and technology to conduct repeated dental checks.
Over the course of the study, they collected more than 2,500 dental samples by testing the children’s teeth multiple times and analyzing the results.
The findings showed that in most cases, cavities tend to appear first in the front teeth and, if left untreated, gradually spread to the back teeth, causing more complications.
The new AI tool achieved an accuracy rate of up to 98% in pinpointing the causes of cavities, with most results staying above 90% accuracy.
Experts say this tool can detect signs of tooth decay within minutes, potentially helping thousands of children each year receive timely treatment.
They hope the method will soon be approved for wider testing and, eventually, general use. If officially adopted, it will be the first such system in years to help detect cavities early, benefitting millions of children worldwide.
