Smartphones can do so many things today. While most people use these devices to share videos, chat with others, make grocery lists, and play games, their health applications aren’t as well known. For example, few people know that their smartphones can be used to track how their gum disease is being treated.
Using Sensors to Detect Gum Disease
One new company based in the UK has developed a system that uses biosensors to detect different diseases and share this information with patients on their phone. This device is easy to use, too, and actually incorporates something once only found in science-fiction: nanotechnology. This incredible microscopic technology allows a device to detect specific protein biomarkers, including C-reactive protein. This protein is connected to inflammation, a major sign of gum disease.
As a patient, all you have to do is take a small sample of saliva, blood, or urine and place it on one of the biosensors. Theses sensors, which are disposable, determine the level of C-reactive proteins and transmits it to the app on your phone. If it shows your C-reactive proteins are very high, it’s a sign that your gum disease may be out of control and that your current method of treatment is not working.
A Form of Early Detection
While this technology isn’t exactly available everywhere just yet, it is certainly a step forward in early detection. For example, if we believe a patient may develop gum disease, we can prescribe these sensors for them to use at home in a manner similar to diabetic testing strips. If they do a saliva test every few days and the app shows that their C-reactive proteins are increasing, they can come back to see us for a cleaning. On the other hand, if those proteins decrease, it shows that their routine of brushing and flossing is working well.
Until these sensors become common, though, you’ll need to come see us if you’re concerned about gum disease. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.
