This Tiny Tooth-Mounted Sensor Can Monitor What You Eat

For those who have run out of ways to control their diet, scientists at the Tufts University have come up with a tiny tooth-mounted sensor to keep track of what you eat and also your health. Better yet, the data it provides is real-time.

The first version of this miniaturized sensor is paired with a mobile device to present users with BAC level (blood alcohol concentration level), blood sugar level, sodium level, and many more. Researchers have already had plans for future upgrades, which can extend the capability of the sensor, including monitoring the health of your mouth.

The sensor measures 2mm x 2mm and consists of three layers sandwiched each other. What comes in the center is a “bioresponsive” layer that can take in chemicals. It is protected by two gold rings but with a square shape. They form a device that acts like an antenna that receives and transmit signals.

The idea of having a device in the mouth is not new but the earlier prototypes usually come with wires and the need to be replaced frequently. According to Fiorenzo Omenetto, the lead researcher of this project, nutrition management is possible if they can find a way to give the sensor its own database. What they are aiming at is a device that can alert users if they are taking in too much sugar.

Here is how Tufts University’s sensor transmits data. When the device receives incoming wave, it transmits back just part of the wave. This process works like when you have blue paint, it traps red wavelengths and what is left for your eyes to see are blue ones.

This sensor can change the color according to what it absorbs. For example, if the device tales in ethanol, the radiofrequency waves it gives out are changed. This is how the mobile app can have data on user’s diet.