A dentist’s chair might not seem like the place where life-threatening illnesses are first uncovered. But often, that’s exactly where the earliest warning signs appear. Your mouth is a mirror reflecting your overall health. From cardiovascular issues to diabetes, systemic diseases often leave their first clues in the oral cavity. Early signs can be subtle, and without the right technology, they often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed.
That’s where AI-powered dental scans are making a difference by turning routine dental check-ups into proactive health screenings. By analyzing oral health markers like gum inflammation,dental caries, enamel erosion, bone density loss, and abnormal tissue growth, AI can help detect conditions that extend far beyond the mouth.
Established connections between oral health and systemic diseases
For over two decades, many research studies have established that dental health is deeply connected to serious illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. But most people in India and around the world still treat the dentist like an afterthought. Here are some facts that show why the risk of skipping regular check-ups goes way beyond cavities:
- Cardiovascular (or heart) diseases: Chronic periodontitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and hypertension. The inflammation resulting from periodontal disease elevates systemic inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are known contributors to cardiovascular conditions.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Vast research by several global medical authors shows a bidirectional relationship exists between diabetes and periodontal disease. Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum diseases, due to compromised immune responses. Conversely, periodontal disease can impair blood sugar control, exacerbating diabetic conditions.
- Respiratory infections: Oral health has been linked to respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and COPD. Bacteria from periodontal infections can be aspirated into the lungs, leading to respiratory diseases, especially in vulnerable populations.
- Cancer: Emerging global studies have identified associations between periodontal disease and an increased risk of certain cancers. For instance, a history of periodontal disease has been linked to a 14% higher risk of developing any cancer, with stronger associations observed for esophageal and gastric cancers.
How is AI changing the game?
Traditional dental exams rely on visual assessments and X-rays, which can miss subtle early-stage changes. AI, however, sees patterns and anomalies that human eyes might overlook. By processing vast amounts of data from past cases, AI-powered dental scans can detect minute changes in oral tissues, gums, and bone structure that indicate underlying health risks.
This proactive approach is shifting the role of dentists from being solely oral health specialists to playing a crucial part in early disease detection. By integrating AI into routine dental care, patients can be alerted to potential systemic health issues before they become a crisis.
The scan O vision of making oral care more accessible, and a daily habit
At scanO, we believe no smile or life should be lost to preventable diseases. That’s why we’re building an AI ecosystem that empowers dentists to bridge the gap between oral health and overall wellness. Our technology enables early, non-invasive detection of major systemic conditions, ensuring that a routine dental visit could be the first step in preventing serious health complications.
When oral care becomes proactive, early detection becomes the norm. And lives are saved in dental chairs, long before they reach emergency rooms.
About the Author
Vidhi Bhanushali is an award-winning innovator and Gold Medalist in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, transforming oral healthcare through AI-driven solutions. As CEO and Co-founder of scanO, she leads a revolution in dental technology with a groundbreaking app and robotic system, making precision diagnostics and quality care accessible across India, the UAE, and Africa.
Recipient of the Pierre Fauchard International Merit Award, Dr. Vidhi also advocates for ethical AI integration in healthcare. As a Board of Studies member at KLE Belgaum, she pioneers AI-focused electives to prepare future dental professionals for emerging technologies. A key contributor to global health policy, she represented oral health startups in the Startup20 Engagement Group during India’s G20 presidency, shaping frameworks for innovation and data accessibility. A graduate of Google for Startups India Accelerator, Dr. Vidhi is redefining global oral healthcare, ensuring technological advancements bridge gaps in access and equity.