Research group seeks ways to improve oral health

The work is important because, according for example to school surveys, dental care in Finland is not at the level it should be. In surveys directed at schoolchildren, Finns have long lagged behind the other Nordic countries when it comes to brushing their teeth, and the trend is not improving.

A research group at the University of Oulu has tackled the challenges of dental self-care with a web-based application.

"This is an entity being developed in cooperation with optoelectronics and biometrics experts, and it is still in the prototype phase. The idea is that, in addition to a risk analysis based on a survey, the application would be able to identify the user's personal risks of the most common oral diseases based on images taken with a mobile device. In response, the user would receive personal oral care instructions tailored specifically for them", says the leader of the research group Saujanya Karki.

Attention to prevention

The three most common oral diseases in Finland are gum disease, caries and erosive tooth wear. These could also be prevented by self-care – and presumably costs would also be saved.

"Oral problems have been proven to be linked to several serious diseases, such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, respiratory diseases and diabetes. The mouth is the starting point for all health," Karki sums up.

Ideas are important

The international research group has a total of about ten members, as well as doctoral and thesis writers from different fields of science. Machine learning and artificial intelligence play a key role.

Karki, who moved to Oulu from Nepal in 2017, has received praise from his research group and students for inspiring leadership and teaching.

"There is no hierarchy in Finland. Everyone's ideas are appreciated, and that has been motivating. Working in a multidisciplinary research group and with AI experts is really interesting", Karki says.

A digital leap in oral health would improve the accessibility of dental care services geographically and temporally.

"Preventive instructions could be obtained quickly and regardless of where you live. Anyone who has access to a mobile phone could use the application,' says Professor Marja-Liisa Laitala, a member of the research group.

So far, the app has been piloted with secondary school adolescents and young adults. Researchers would also see its benefits in home care for the elderly, for example.

"The target group is all people, which is also challenging. Concrete, tailored self-care instructions could relate not only to oral hygiene, but also to diet, flossing or quitting smoking. Fear of dental care is also mapped in the questionnaire section and tools are provided for this," Laitala says.

The research group is currently applying for further funding for the project.

So far, the research group has received funding from the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia (ERDF Structural Funds), the Finnish Medical Foundation and the University of Oulu, as well as personal grants from e.g. The Finnish Dental Society Apollonia and the Finnish Cultural Foundation.

Text: Kati Valjus