Revolutionary mouth sensor unlocks health insights via smartphone
Densor collects crucial health data opening new doors for accessible health monitoring.
Published on November 28, 2024
© TU Delft
Researchers from the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and Radboud Medical Center (Radboudumc) have developed Densor. This battery-free oral sensor platform collects crucial health data using a standard retainer or 'bit jet.' This innovative technology measures body temperature, jaw and head movements during sleep and can differentiate between speaking, swallowing, and drinking.
Requiring only a smartphone for charging and data retrieval, Densor opens new doors for accessible health monitoring, sleep research, apnea diagnostics, and dental wear tracking. The open-source platform allows for continuous, comfortable, and long-term intraoral measurements, paving the way for preventive and diagnostic advancements in oral health care and beyond.
A leap in health monitoring
Unlike traditional methods that often require cumbersome equipment, Densor offers a seamless experience by integrating its sensors into everyday dental appliances. This allows for uninterrupted daily life while collecting valuable health data. The platform's open-source nature complements the ease of use, encouraging global collaboration to further its capabilities.
Its ability to track jaw and head movements during sleep provides essential data for sleep research and apnea diagnostics. By distinguishing between different oral activities, Densor aids in monitoring therapy adherence and dental wear. Researchers are particularly excited about the potential to expand its functionality with additional sensors, targeting conditions like acid reflux and saliva production, which could revolutionize preventive health measures.
The technical prowess of Densor lies in its battery-free design, leveraging Near Field Communication (NFC) for power and data transmission. This innovation reduces the need for frequent maintenance and enhances user comfort. The platform's low-power architecture ensures prolonged data collection, making it suitable for long-term studies. Such features highlight Densor's role in bridging the gap in real-world intraoral research and overcoming traditional safety and acceptability challenges.
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A collaborative effort
Developed through a collaboration between TU Delft and Radboudumc, Densor embodies interdisciplinary innovation. Researchers Przemysław Pawełczak and Bas Loomans emphasize the platform's potential to democratize health monitoring by making it more accessible and user-friendly. The team's dedication to advancing oral health care is evident in their ongoing efforts to incorporate more sensors and refine the technology for broader applications.
Looking ahead, Densor is poised to transform how we perceive and utilize oral health data. The continuous collection of real-time data opens up new preventive and diagnostic possibilities. As the platform evolves, its integration into everyday healthcare practices could lead to early detection of diseases and personalized treatment plans.