Without a medical examination, and only thanks to an algorithm, it would be possible to know the risk of tooth loss.
- An algorithm is a very powerful calculation tool, the operation of which may be based on artificial intelligence.
- Diseases such as periodontitis or gingivitis are risk factors for tooth loss.
- New systems have been put in place to facilitate access to dental care: since January 1, 2021, resin dentures can be covered at 100%.
The teeth allow us to chew, to speak but also to smile! If during childhood it is quite normal to lose milk teeth, in adulthood this phenomenon is more troublesome. Dental researchers from the prestigious Harvard University have developed a computer tool to identify people at risk of tooth loss. In PLOS ONEthey explain how these algorithms work.
Oral health, an insufficient indicator
“Our analysis shows that while all algorithms can be risk assessment tools, those that incorporate socio-economic variables are particularly powerful in identifying people at high risk of losing teeth.“, explains the main author of this study, Hawazin Elani. With her team, she compared five algorithms, based on different combinations of variables. Those integrating data such as socio-economic status, skin color, level of education, diabetes or osteoarthritis gave more relevant results compared to algorithms working only with information on oral health.In this study, all the tools were tested without dental examination.
Precarious populations more at risk
“We know how important it is to identify and act quickly to prevent tooth loss“, emphasizes Jane Barrow, co-author of the study. It is possible to prevent tooth loss, if these warning signs are spotted early enough. “Many people with dental disease do not see a dentist until the critical moment when it is no longer possible to save the tooth.“, specify the scientists. However, several previous studies have shown that precarious and / or marginalized populations are more at risk of tooth loss, in part because of limited access to dental care. This new tool could be used in different medical contexts, and not only at a dentist, which would allow screening of a large number of people.
