Grant: Catalyst Grant: Oral Health Data Analysis - Oral Health and Older Persons

As Canada's population ages, maintaining health and independence becomes increasingly essential. Low bone mass can lead to a disease called osteoporosis. It affects over 2.3 million Canadians, mostly over age 50, and significantly increases the risk of fractures that reduce mobility and quality of life of the aging population. Despite its seriousness, many individuals remain undiagnosed due to limited access to dual-energy scans, a specialized X-ray used to measure bone mass. Dental problems such as gum disease, tooth loss, and trouble chewing can reflect underlying skeletal bone loss and might be linked to early signs of bone deterioration. Dental radiographs, called panoramics, which are often used in dental visits, can reveal changes in the jaw bones that may be linked with systemic diseases associated with low bone mass. We believe that data from dental visits can be used to identify conditions associated with bone deterioration. Thus, using data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, we aim to study the associations between oral health and low bone mass using artificial intelligence. We also want to check if panoramic radiographs can be used as a tool to assess bone status. This study looks at a new and accessible way to find individuals at risk for low bone mass and bone deterioration using information from dental visits. If it works, it will help make healthcare more fair by developing tools to identify risks associated with low bone mass and disseminating preventive care, including in remote and vulnerable communities. This will lead to a positive impact on the health of aging Canadians.