New teeth sensors developed by Tufts University researchers could soon replace traditional fitness trackers such as the Fitbit. Measuring just 2mm x 2mm, the tiny wireless device connects to a smartphone, and monitors a person’s health.
The device records a person’s food and beverage intake, and monitors sugar, salt and alcohol intake. Dental hygiene and fatigue could also reportedly be tracked. Researchers state further applications apply, and development is only limited by “creativity“.
Tuft University study author, Dr Fiorenzo Omenetto, informed Alphr “ampling and monitoring analytes in the oral cavity could help in a number of ways – from monitoring dental health to monitoring fatigue through saliva sampling”.
Tufts University researchers claim the device enables people to better maintain good nutrition.
The teeth sensors create a central ‘bioresponsive’ layer, which absorbs nutrients and chemicals from food.
The device features a more comfortable design, versus previous technologies which incorporated a ‘mouth guard’ style. The sensor claims to easily adhere to uneven teeth.
With a rechargeable battery life of two day, further development is reportedly underway to extend this.
Dr Omenetto claims teeth are only the beginning – the sensors can be tweaked and attached to other body parts.
“We have extended common RFID [radiofrequency ID] technology to a sensor package that can dynamically read and transmit information on its environment, whether it is affixed to a tooth, to skin, or any other surface”.
The study is set to be published in the Journal of Advanced Materials.
