Tooth ‘Fitbits’ Are Here And They Track What You Eat

Flickr/Joshua Rappeneker

There’s a device for your tooth that could completely change the way you eat. Scientists at the Tufts University School of Engineering have developed a square Fitbit-like device that’s small enough to mount onto your tooth and monitor your intake levels of glucose, salt and alcohol.

The tooth sensor communicates wirelessly with a mobile device and it can potentially detect and record a wide range of chemicals, nutrients and physiological states, according to the New York Post.

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The tiny sleek sensor is only 2 millimeters by 2 millimeters and it conforms and bonds to any kind of tooth surface.

There are three layers that make up the device. There’s a bioresponsive layer, which absorbs nutrients and other chemicals, and two outer layers that collect and transmit waves in the radiofrequency spectrum. Altogether, the sandwich of sensors acts like a mini antenna. It also changes color depending on what kind of chemical intake it’s monitoring.

This Fitbit-like device could help people with dietary restrictions and health conditions. And while you may not be crazy about a piece of technology glued to your front tooth, you have to admit it’s pretty damn cool.

[h/t New York Post]