Princeton Scientist Creates “Tooth Tattoos”

Do you like tattoos? Do you have a few of your own?

What if you could get one on your teeth?

It sounds silly, but a Princeton scientist is developing a tattoo that could detect bacteria in the mouth.

This could help doctors and patients identify when someone is coming down with a cold, or worse.

According to scientist Michael McAlpine’s interview on Princeton’s website, “the system not only has the ability to supply fast results, but is able to detect very small amounts of bacteria — a feature that could prove critical in treating certain diseases.”

You’ve probably heard before that the mouth can tell your dentist and your doctor a lot about your overall health. Health problems like heart disease can often be diagnosed in a dentist office rather than your primary physician’s office.

How cool would it be to have a tattoo on your tooth that could tell you when you’re getting a cold?

According to the article on Princeton’s website, “The researchers created the tattoo by bundling the silk and gold with graphene — an extremely thin sheet of carbon in which atoms are arranged in a honeycomb lattice. The material's unique properties allowed the researchers to construct a small, flexible device able to detect bacteria at a much higher sensitivity level than traditional methods.”

The team at Princeton’s plan is to conduct more studies to better understand how they could make this a real life solution. You can read the full article and see prototype pictures here.

What do you think? Would you ever consider getting this type of cosmetic dentistry procedure done?

Dr. DiStefano’s office provides a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures in Howell, Michigan, and is always available to consult you. If you’re looking to improve your smile and your health, visit our website today to schedule an appointment!