What will they think of next? Researchers at the University of Washington recently announced they have developed a method to use the camera on iPhone and Android smartphones to detect the bacteria in your mouth that causes plaque (as well as bacteria on the skin that can cause acne or impact wound healing).
Plaque is the substance that causes tooth decay. New dental technology for personal use that helps you see where plaque is growing on your teeth is a welcome addition to your oral health toolkit. But how does it work?
Cameras Modified with LED Lights
Smartphones cameras capture wavelengths in the visual spectrum in red, green and blue (RGB). Every pixel in an image captured by a smartphone is a combination of those colors. Bacteria is not visible in those color ranges.
It turns out that bacteria can give off wavelengths that LED black lights can detect. The researchers added 3D rings outfitted with 10 LED black lights to the smartphone cameras. According to the study, the LED lights can “excite” porphyrins, a class of bacteria-derived molecules. They emit a red fluorescent signal that is visible to the modified smartphone cameras.
The areas on your teeth where the bacteria that produce plaque is growing show up in the photos. Greater visibility to where plaque is located enables users to be more effective with their daily oral care routines.
A View to the Future
While the plaque-detecting cameras are not yet available for purchase, the development hints at how bioengineers are working with readily available devices to expand healthcare and dental care options.
New dental technology such as smart toothbrushes and interactive dental apps promises to be a cost-conscious way to enable people to take more control of how they prevent tooth decay.
Are you looking for a dentist for the family that’s up-to-date on advancements in dental technology? Contact Shorewood Family Dental Care at 815-725-5991 or book an appointment online.
