Premier Dental - October 2021

Artificial Intelligence and the Dental Industry HOW AI CAN BENEFIT DENTAL PATIENTS

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer program’s ability to mimic human learning and problem-solving abilities to analyze all sorts of different kinds of data. The applications of AI are seemingly endless, and in the past few years, AI has found its way to the dental office. While it might make you nervous that certain aspects of patient care are drawn (in part) from AI, don’t worry. Various developments of AI-augmented dental care will have great benefits for patients. Detecting Dental Decay, Periodontal Disease, and Even Oral Cancer One of the ways that AI most benefits dental patients is in how neural networks can be used to detect a variety of diseases and conditions better than a mere human eye ever could. While radiographs provide some objective information that can help dentists detect tooth decay, information discovered via tactile sensation (when your dentist looks in your mouth themselves) is much more subjective. AI can further refine this process by using CNNs (convolutional neural networks) to analyze thousands of different radiographs while also learning how to detect it more effectively. At the same time, AI can similarly be used to detect oral cancer early enough to prevent malignant growth from getting too far — or from starting at all. Neural networks can alert dentists to growths that are benign, malignant, or potentially malignant, with that last classification being particularly important for helping dentists act early to help their patients.

Streamlining Appointment Procedures AI can also help improve patients’ experiences by offering regular

appointments and checkups at their dental office. Natural language processing (NLP), which is the ability of a computer program to detect and act on voice- activated commands, can allow dentists to do certain parts of their routine hands free, which makes for a much more efficient process and gets patients in and out of the chair sooner.

As AI continues to develop, its applications to the dental world will assuredly grow, and your patient experience will improve.

5 Foods That Will Improve Your Dental Health AND HELP MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SMILE

The best “secret” to continued dental health is to do what your dentist recommends every time you have a checkup: Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and don’t eat too many sugary foods. However, if you want to give your dental health an extra edge without adding steps to your routine, you can actually improve your dental health while you eat. All you need to do is incorporate some of the following foods into your diet!

Strawberries While these tasty red berries are highly acidic, they’re still good for your teeth and gums because they contain malic acid, a natural whitening agent for your enamel. Eating strawberries regularly can actually help you keep your teeth free of stains! Salmon This fish is packed with both vitamin D and calcium, which help keep your teeth strong and healthy. Vitamin D enables your body to more effectively absorb calcium, while calcium itself helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Carrots You can get many of the same benefits of brushing your teeth from eating carrots — but that doesn’t mean you should eat carrots in place of brushing your teeth! Like celery, chewing carrots massages your gums. Plus, they’re rich in keratin, which fights plaque, and vitamin A, which strengthens tooth enamel. By eating some of these foods (or all of them!), along with brushing and flossing regularly, you can ensure that your smile stays fresh and healthy for years to come!

Cheese Like many dairy products, cheese is full of calcium and phosphate, which strengthen teeth and bones. At the same time, it can balance the pH level in your mouth, neutralizing harmful acids and preventing cavities and tooth decay.

Celery Though it doesn’t contain any nutrients that will specifically benefit your teeth, chewing celery can actually clean your teeth and massage your gums, all while helping your mouth produce more saliva that neutralizes bacteria.

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