This smart mouth guard monitors the wearer's health by tracking chemicals in their saliva and sending health updates to their smartphone.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, developed a high-tech mouth guard that tests levels of uric acid, lactate and cortisol in the wearer's saliva in order to monitor the health of the individual. Any imbalance is reported to their connected smartphone, computer or tablet via a supporting app.
The ability to continually monitor health in a non-invasive manner could be very useful for individuals who don't have any identified health issues but are nonetheless exposed to high-risk situations. For example, the mouth guard could be used to keep athletes at optimal health during games or be worn by soldiers during training and in the field.
Health-Monitoring Mouth Guards
This Smart Mouth Guard Tests Saliva to Track Health
Trend Themes
1. Smart Mouth Guards - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced sensors to track a wider range of health markers in saliva for more accurate health monitoring.
2. Non-invasive Health Monitoring - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate saliva testing technology into various wearable devices to enable continuous health monitoring without invasive procedures.
3. Connected Health Monitoring - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a comprehensive health monitoring ecosystem that seamlessly integrates smart mouth guards with smartphones and other devices for real-time health updates.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Equipment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with sports equipment manufacturers to integrate health-monitoring mouth guard technology into sports equipment for real-time health tracking during physical activities.
2. Military Defense - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partner with defense industry companies to develop mouth guard solutions that enhance the health and performance of military personnel during training and in combat situations.
3. Wearable Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine smart mouth guard technology with wearable devices to create a new category of health monitoring wearables for everyday use.