Tohoku University and DOCOMO Launch Research Project to Develop Artificial-intelligence Technology for Periodontal Disease Detection

Japan-based Tohoku University and NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced that they have begun researching an artificial-intelligence (AI) technology to detect periodontal disease simply by photographing a person’s gums with a smartphone. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, stroke, obesity and type II diabetes, so a solution for early detection could offer significant advantages, especially in aging societies.

The simple, easily deployed smartphone-based solution proposed by Tohoku University and DOCOMO would analyze gum color and shape, compensating for photo brightness and camera shake, to determine the risk of periodontal disease. By helping users to understand their personal risks, the solution is expected to facilitate better communication with dentists and increased examinations aimed at preventing early-stage periodontal disease from becoming serious.

In Japan, periodontal disease is present in 61% of adults in their 20s, 71% in their 40s and 75% in their 60s, according to a survey conducted by Japan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2016. Confirmation of the disease requires going to dental office to be examined, which is often inconvenient for working people. The Japanese Society for Oral Health Magazine estimated in 2018 that only 4.3% of people between the ages of 40 and 70 receive examinations and many do not consult dentists until symptoms become severe.

The aim of the newly announced collaboration is to develop a practical, everyday solution by combining DOCOMO’s expertise in AI technology with Tohoku University’s expertise in oral diseases and extensive data on medical examinations and research. The two partners also expect to apply their AI technology toward the detection of additional oral diseases, such as temporomandibular disorders and oral cancer. A device-based tool for determining disease risks is expected to be launched commercially by the fiscal year ending in March 2023.

Roles in Collaboration

Tohoku University:

Provide expertise on oral diseases
Provide images and other data on symptoms

DOCOMO

Provide and evaluate AI technology
Develop application for practical use

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 78 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities (“+d” partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (9437). https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/.

About Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

Tohoku University was established as Japan’s third national university in 1907. Tohoku University is proud to be ranked among Japan’s leading universities. Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry has fulfilling growth leading Japan in dental medicine as the prominent center of dental medicine research through cutting edge teaching and research in the field of dentistry with standards of unity in specialization and academics. Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry will continue in providing “dental innovation” in the future, building new dentistry and dental treatment fit for the future.
www.dent.tohoku.ac.jp/english/