# Oral Oddity Dental health crosses into other niche areas with novel treatments. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Apr 14, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oral-oddity ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Oral Oddity trend? **Oral Oddity:** Wearable technology and the rise in the health wave are responsible for a surge in innovation within dental health. A recent development in this area is extremely niche -- sometimes even odd -- approaches to oral care that converge multiple concerns or introduce new ones altogether. This is a response to the consumer attitude to seek problems regarding health, as opposed to hone in on one singular solution or issue. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 29, 2015 to Mar 19, 2016 - Published: Apr 14, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Oral Oddity trend ### Niche Oral Health Innovations The rise in wearable technology and focus on health has led to innovation within dental health with extremely niche or odd approaches to oral care that converge multiple concerns or introduce new ones altogether. ### Smart Mouth Guards Developing mouth guards that utilize embedded technology and sensors to track data and monitor hydration levels or analyze impacts and detect concussions provide disruptive innovation opportunities for athletic wearables. ### Cavity Detection Technology Using technology such as the Ortek ECD, which uses an electrical impulse to detect breaks in the enamel, provides dental professionals with more comprehensive data and opportunities to detect early signs of cavities, potentially preventing issues from progressing. ## What the Oral Oddity trend means for industry ### For Wearable Technology Business professionals in wearable technology space have new opportunities in developing niche oral health innovations and smart mouth guards. ### For Sports Equipment Developing smart mouth guards embedded with technology to monitor hydration and impact levels provides disruptive innovation opportunities for the sports equipment industry. ### For Dental Technology Cavity detection technology, such as the Ortek ECD, provides an opportunity for the dental technology industry to develop more comprehensive monitoring and detection tools for cavities. ## Workshop question In what ways can you brand adapt your products or services to be more outside-the-box in aesthetics and design without compromising functionality? ## Trend signals for Oral Oddity Trend score 2.5 out of 10, from popularity 35%, activity 31%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 35% - Activity: 31% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Oral Oddity trend 4 featured examples from Sep 29, 2015 to Mar 19, 2016. - [Dehydration-Detecting Mouth Guards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smrt-mouth): The SMRT Mouth Sends Alerts When the Wearer is Dehydrated (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Create new lineups of protective gear and wearables for athletes with integrated hydration-measuring sensors and wireless modules. - [Cavity-Detecting Dental Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cavity-detection): The Ortek ECD Provides Cavity Protection for Dental Professionals (Category: Tech) Implication: The Ortek ECD introduces opportunities for disruptive innovation in the dental technology industry, enabling more precise and efficient cavity detection. - [Concussion-Preventing Mouthpieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mouth-guard-design): The FITGuard Keeps Athletes Safe with a Smart Mouth Guard Design (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Sports equipment manufacturers can incorporate embedded technology into their mouth guard designs, providing athletes with a more advanced and proactive approach to injury prevent… - [Analytic Apple Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-dental-care): Japanese Apples Give Free Dental Care With an Accompanying App and QR Code (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The dental care industry can explore the use of QR codes and digital consultation platforms to enhance convenience and accessibility for patients. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)