When people think of dental exams, they often think of tooth decay or gum disease. But new research suggests these exams may soon help detect a wider range of conditions.
With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), dentists may be able to detect early warning signs of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and even skin cancer.
A review published in the British Dental Journal analyzed 42 studies and concluded that AI-assisted tools have significant potential to expand the role of dentistry in preventive healthcare.
The researchers conducted a structured literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and other databases, focusing on studies highlighting the practical application of AI in detecting systemic diseases in the dental office.
The results revealed a wide range of conditions that can be identified during routine dental visits, including skin cancer, autism spectrum disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, bad breath, osteoporosis, and carotid artery calcification.
Many of these conditions leave subtle biological or physical markers in or around the mouth—changes that are often invisible to the naked eye but can be detected by AI algorithms.
Importantly, the review emphasizes that AI is not intended to replace dentists or doctors. Rather, it should be viewed as an adjunct tool to improve diagnostic accuracy, support timely referrals, and encourage greater collaboration among healthcare providers.
One of the most compelling applications is image analysis. AI-powered systems have been used to flag suspicious oral or lip lesions that may indicate early-stage skin cancer.
Other imaging methods can assess tongue color and texture, characteristics sometimes associated with metabolic changes associated with diabetes.
Breath analysis also shows promise. AI can interpret chemical markers in exhaled breath to detect bad breath.
Since bad breath is sometimes associated not only with poor oral hygiene but also with liver disease, kidney problems, or metabolic disorders, this approach could become a valuable screening tool.
Radiology is another area where AI is showing promise. Dental X-rays and cone-beam CT scans can reveal carotid artery calcification (an early risk factor for cardiovascular disease) and changes in bone density associated with osteoporosis. Algorithms trained on this data could alert dentists to risks that are often overlooked during routine physical examinations.
The review even notes that AI plays an important role in detecting neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. Machine learning systems can analyze subtle behavioral or physiological cues observed during dental visits, enabling earlier identification and referral.
Across 42 studies, a common theme emerged: AI improves diagnostic accuracy. By enhancing early detection capabilities, AI can not only reduce pressure on healthcare systems but also ensure that patients receive timely intervention, thereby improving long-term outcomes.