Artificial Intelligence in Revolutionizing Diagnosis, Treatment, and Preventive Care for Children’s Oral Health: A comprehensive narrative review

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI), introduced in 1956, has evolved into a valuable tool in healthcare. In pediatric dentistry, AI is increasingly applied to enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, preventive care, and behaviour management.

Aim: This review highlights current applications, benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI in pediatric dentistry.

Methods: Recent literature was reviewed to explore AI uses in diagnostic imaging, caries detection, periodontal assessment, restorative and orthodontic care, forensic dentistry, and pediatric-specific innovations.

Results: AI supports clinicians in radiographic interpretation, pathology detection, and treatment planning through machine learning (ML), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and generative models. In children, AI aids early childhood caries (ECC) risk prediction using genetic, salivary, and behavioral data; improves detection of mesiodens, supernumerary teeth, and ectopic eruptions; and facilitates tooth numbering and age estimation. CAD/CAM and augmented reality (AR) enhance restorative accuracy and orthodontic planning, while chatbots and gamification improve cooperation and reduce anxiety. Limitations include high costs, limited datasets, lack of standardization, and ethical issues related to privacy, liability, and bias. Frameworks such as MI-CLAIM, ACCEPT-AI, and PEARL-AI guide safe adoption.

Conclusion: AI is reshaping pediatric dentistry by augmenting clinical decision-making and patient care. Its future depends on robust validation, ethical safeguards, and child-centered design.