# Bacteria-Detecting Tooth Tattoos Graphene-Based Sensors Help Keep Pearly Whites Super Clean By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-04-05 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphene-based-sensors References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/graphene-tooth-sensor/22056/) & [rsc.org](http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2012/March/graphene-chemical-sensor-teeth-cia-broadcast.asp) Anyone who dreads having to take a trip to the dentist for an uncomfortable seat in the dental chair will be happy to know that Michael McAlpine and a team of researchers from Princeton University have engineered graphene-based sensors that wirelessly monitor [bacteria on teeth](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/periotrap). These remote chemical sensors attach to the flat surface of one's teeth and use antimicrobial peptides and a resonant coil to monitor the level of icky microorganisms floating around inside a person's mouth. The [gold-colored sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oralb-io10-ultimate) are nontoxic and extremely flexible to ensure long-wear. Similar to the way an electronic key card reads information, the sensors connect with a detector to transmit messages about the cleanliness of a tooth to an external device -- all without poking and prodding the gums with the scary, steel tools generally required to garner such information. The [molar markings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/temporary-oral-tattoos) aren't quite ready for mass production just yet, but a bright future for the pearly white protectors lies ahead. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Graphene-based Sensors:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced sensors for various applications, such as healthcare monitoring and environmental sensing. - **Wireless Monitoring:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create wireless monitoring solutions for different industries, like healthcare and agriculture. - **Non-invasive Dental Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore non-invasive dental technologies for improved oral health monitoring and treatment. ### Who This Affects Most - **Healthcare:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate graphene-based sensors into various healthcare applications, such as wearable health devices. - **Environmental Monitoring:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply graphene-based sensors in environmental monitoring systems for real-time data collection and analysis. - **Dental Care:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative dental technologies that improve the patient experience and provide accurate diagnostic information. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smart Health-Monitoring Mouthpieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mouthio.md) - [AI-Equipped Gum Health Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gum-health1.md) - [Connected Monitoring Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wound-bandage.md) - [Accessible Teledenistry Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grin-and-oral-b.md) - [Biometric Smart Mouthguards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-mouthguards.md) - [Lasting AI-Powered E-Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-etoothbrush.md) - [Nicotine-Detecting Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skinworn-sensor.md) - [High-Tech Sensitive Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/davids-natural-toothpaste.md) - [Self-Sanitizing Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultim8-smartbrush-system.md)