Bioinformatics: A New Tool in Dentistry

Bioinformatics is a new speciality that focuses on using information science to solve biological problems. It deals with the collecting, storing, retrieving and analysing data from databases. Bioinformatics has supported and promoted the research in the field of healthcare and has taken it to next level. Bioinformatics can encourage the research in dentistry by understanding the underlying pathways and mechanisms in certain oral diseases. It can also help in early prediction and personalized treatment of cancer that may prove beneficial in early detection and accurate treatment of cancer. Bioinformatics supports in developing patient care databases, image analysis of X- rays, CT and MRI. Diagnostic abilities will also multiple with databases management. Salivanomics is sub-speciality of bioinformatics dealing with saliva knowledge base enabling global exploration of data relevant to saliva. Incorporation of bioinformatics with AI and machine learning can lead to immense positive outcomes in field of research in personalised medicine and gene therapy. This review will help to understand the tools used in bioinformatics and its role in dentistry.