Role of IoT in Dentistry

The IoT network is expanding exponentially; almost every new product released is now “smart” with embedded software. The software enables these devices to communicate with each other and exchange data. Such devices are now being used in the medical field, described as IoMT, Internet of Medical Things.

Dentistry is an area that can benefit from using IoMT and is likely to develop into a beneficial and innovative technology for the dental care industry. Internet of Dental Things (IoDT), an offshoot of IoT, can be successfully used in dentistry. IoT in dental care can enhance preventive procedures and help identify dental health issues early on.

IoT Applications in Dentistry

● Smart dental implants - Smart tooth technology comes in two forms - smart dental implants and smart wearable appliances. Innovative implants have sensors embedded in an artificial tooth surgically implanted into a patient’s mouth. These sensors can collect data such as pH, sugar intake, brushing frequency & more. This data is shared over the internet for data analytics, enabling dentists to prescribe a personalized dentistry plan tailored to a patient’s specific needs.

Smart wearables also come equipped with digital sensors. A sensor developed by Tufts University can be placed on a patient’s tooth and does not need to be surgically implanted. This 2mm x 2mm RFID-enabled sensor detects salt, sugar, and alcohol levels in the mouth. The data collected is shared with smartphones and other medical smart devices with built-in RFID readers.

The future of dentistry may see such sensors embedded in orthodontic appliances like braces, retainers, aligners & more that can help track patients' compliance with their dental treatment.

● Smart toothbrushes - Devices like smart toothbrushes are programmed to detect and track their usage. They can come with various other technology like built-in cameras and digital pressure sensors to help patients and doctors track their use.

The factors include how often a patient brushes, how much pressure is applied and more. Such data is then shared with the user and the doctor in real time to measure how well the patient is keeping up with their oral health needs.

● Cameras in smart toothbrushes can be used to take close- up photos of a patient’s mouth, which can then be uploaded over the internet to the dentist. These can be used to check for cavities or cracks and construct 3D models of a patient’s mouth for any implants etc.

Companies like Brushlink have developed sensors that can be attached to any regular brush, besides selling toothbrushes already equipped with such sensors. Using cameras and times, the Brushlink sensors can easily track the brushing angle and time taken and relay this data which can be viewed on a mobile app and also to the dentist.

● Medical tablets, teledentistry, and mobile dental care - The need for telemedicine was amplified during the Covid-19 pandemic. The same condition holds for teledentistry. Thanks to the IoDT technology, teledentistry goes beyond audio and video dental advice and care. Leveraging data from devices like smart toothbrushes and implants is now possible. Many teledental service providers have standalone devices, such as handheld intraoral cameras, allowing patients to take oral examinations from their homes. These devices benefit older people and those living in rural areas who may find it challenging to visit a dentist’s office.

Some devices, like medical tablets, have built-in LTE and RFID reading capabilities. IoDT automates this process by logging the data in real-time, ensuring that the dentists and doctors read updated patient data. Such devices allow access to patients’ medical charts and records from the cloud eliminating the need to carry paper charts and other paper material.

● Smart mouth guards - Teeth grinding or bruxism treatment is often complex since the patients are usually unaware when they do it. Smart mouthguards can be an ideal solution. Alerts are sent by these mouthguards as soon as the sensors detect vibrations due to teeth grinding.

The use of pressure sensors linked to the mouth guards can help detect and determine which teeth are impacted most by teeth grinding.

● Dental insurance – IoT can help accurately predict the need for future treatment and, therefore, the possibility of potential claims. Analytics can help create dental insurance plans that can be personalized as per patient, which can help offer optimal insurance coverage and lower premium costs.

Beam Dental is an insurance company with insurance coverage that has come into the market. They offer a specialized subscription service combined with a purchase of a Bluetooth-enabled sonic toothbrush called the Beam Brush, along with other dental consumables. Customers can sync with the smartphone app, which gives out grades based on oral hygiene practices, which helps reduce premiums as per overall performance.

In conclusion, IoT and IoDT are the future of digital dentistry. Such digital technologies can help in preventive dental treatment and better health outcomes. The benefits of IoT in healthcare are visible & even though this technology is still in its infancy, its usefulness is bound to grow, leading to superior dental treatments.