A recent review has sought to find out how effective Artificial Intelligence (AI) is in terms of detecting and predicting early childhood tooth decay. With oral health being crucial in children, spotting and treating problems is very important. Therefore, having advanced technology to assist dentists can be very helpful.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact on a huge array of industries. The field of oral healthcare is no different, with AI having an ever-increasing role.
Now, a review of 21 existing studies suggests that AI has a strong potential for detecting and predicting early childhood tooth decay [1].
As strong oral health in childhood can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of positive oral health, being able to predict problems in children can be very helpful.
Background
The research focused on existing studies. One of the main focuses of the review was early childhood tooth decay, which is a serious problem.
Recent research found that in the United States, 29% of children aged 1-17 had received treatment for tooth decay within the previous year [2].
The same research also highlighted concerns over the oral hygiene routine of many children. For example, the research found only 3 in 5 children brush their teeth twice a day [2].
Poor oral health in youth can result in a lifetime of oral health problems. Therefore, avoiding such problems is very important.
Meanwhile, the research also involved analyzing the use of AI in dentistry. There is a strong expectation that AI will become increasingly involved in oral health over the next few years.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. Their work has been published in the Evidence-Based Dentistry journal – part of Nature [1].
The research team carried out a review of 21 studies that had been conducted between 2014 and 2024 [1]. These studies were oral health-focused and involved AI.
The research team were interested in both detection and prediction of early childhood tooth decay. Both are key parts of dentistry and is a crucial area for AI to be accurate with.
Detection refers to when AI can identify tooth decay. Meanwhile, prediction refers to AI’s ability to accurately predict future cases of tooth decay.
The researchers were particularly interested in deep learning algorithms. Deep learning algorithms use vast networks of raw data to analyze, review, and learn. They can then produce organized data and advanced insights.
This process was followed, resulting in the researchers being able to make conclusions based on the analysis of the 21 existing studies [1].
The researchers concluded that AI was capable of detecting and predicting tooth decay in early childhood at an impressive rate [1].
Moreover, the researchers noted that their findings suggested that deep learning algorithms were particularly effective at both detection and prediction [1].
They noticed that deep learning algorithms could detect early childhood tooth decay with an accuracy between 78 and 86 percent [1].
For prediction of early childhood tooth decay, accuracy ranged from 60 to 100 percent [1]. While this is a large range, the various studies produced mixed results. But with accuracy at 100% in one study, it underlines its potential effectiveness at prediction.
Overall, AI produced impressive findings, with strong results in detecting and predicting tooth decay.
The future
The researchers were very impressed with deep learning algorithms and their ability to both detect and predict tooth decay [1]. Therefore, the research produced promising findings.
The hope is that AI will be able to be used in the future to assist with detection and prediction of oral health problems.
When detected early, this would enable treatment to take place as soon as possible. The sooner treatment takes place, the smaller the chance of complications.
Similarly, if dentists had AI highlighting predictions of tooth decay for certain patients, it could enable them to suggest an enhanced brushing schedule, or more frequent dental visits.
Both of these could result in quicker treatments and improved patient experiences. Therefore, AI can offer a range of benefits.
The authors have cautioned that additional research is needed in order to improve the technology further [1]. However, benefits are already visible.
Thinking points…
[1] We mentioned above about the importance of early detection of dental problems. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist regularly! Attending a dental check-up at least once every six months is very important, as a dentist will be able to keep track of your oral health and spot any problems. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!
[2] As shown above, there are many concerns about tooth decay in children. If you have children, make sure you take them to the dentist regularly. This can get them into good habits for life and protect both their physical and oral health. You could also get them to go to the dentist with you – as this can set a good example for them to follow.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Bennett, L., Tiplady, L., & Taylor, G. (2025). Can AI find the cavities in caries prediction and diagnosis?. Evidence-Based Dentistry. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-025-01181-0.
[2] Mott Poll. (2025). Oral hygiene is key to healthy smiles. Available: https://mottpoll.org/reports/oral-hygiene-key-healthy-smiles. Last accessed: 31st July 2025.
