Smart mouth guard could detect teeth grinding, dehydration, concussions
The next big thing in wearable technology may show up right inside your mouth. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a smart mouth guard equipped with sensors that allow it to detect if you’re grinding your teeth, tell your dentist and even help you stop doing it. What’s more, the next version of the guard, currently under development, may be able to tell when an athlete is becoming dehydrated or overheated and even whether he or she may have gotten a concussion. The device is the creation of Yong-Kyu “YK” Yoon, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, and his colleagues. Yoon, who also is director of the Multidisciplinary Nano and Microsystems Lab at UF, worked on the project with Fong Wong, an associate professor in UF’s Restorative Dental Sciences Department and Craniofacial Center. Their concept won them a second-place prize earlier this month at the International Contest of Applications in Nano/Micro Technologies in Anchorage, Alaska, where the UF team represented the United States. ...