Artificial-Intelligence-Based Smart Toothbrushes for Oral Health and Patient Education: A Review

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising technological advancements that have revolutionized the healthcare sector (medicine and dentistry). AI and its subsets, such as machine learning (ML), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and deep learning (DL), are being used in dentistry for data recording and management, patient education, radiographic interpretation, diagnosis, and treatment plans. AI and ML tools are commonly employed to improve oral hygiene and patient compliance. This narrative review paper discusses the innovations in AI-based plaque control aids (toothbrushes and interdental aids) that have improved overall health and patients’ hygiene compliance. We performed a literature search using different databases using the following keywords: “Artificial intelligence or machine learning or robots or robotics” AND “Toothbrush OR Smart toothbrush”. We included all the studies evaluating the use of any smart toothbrush, AI, or robotics for oral hygiene, plaque control, and patient education. AI-based smart toothbrushes helped patients to brush effectively by indicating the amount of pressure and the time taken for brushing, along with providing feedback on their brushing performance. Many microrobots can even recognize and automatically remove biofilm. Some AI-based smart toothbrushes are beneficial for children, patients with disabilities lack of manual dexterity, and neurological disorders. However, dental professionals choose AI-based smart toothbrushes for patients with poor oral hygiene and poor compliance for more effective control of oral diseases and to provide better health.