As technology and research advance, new trends are emerging that could change how we take care of our teeth. From advanced toothbrushes to more customised treatments, these innovations enhance oral hygiene and make dental care easier, more effective, and suited to individual needs. Here are seven exciting trends in oral health that will influence the future of dental care this year and beyond.
Teledentistry: Virtual Dental Consultations
The advent of telehealth has impacted dentistry this year, allowing for teledentistry to help patients remotely connect with some professional dental care. For example, whether the dental care in question is simply a routine check-in with a dentist or a consultation regarding a dental concern, there are platforms that can allow patients to interact with a dentist remotely. Patients can avoid time-consuming in-office trips for less serious concerns, as teledentistry options can be quicker and more convenient. This is particularly helpful for people who live in rural parts of the country or may have mobility issues. The telehealth trend can also support follow-up dental care. Dentists can obtain information whenever they see patients for procedures like teeth whitening or implants, which will allow dentists to follow the course of recovery for those patients. Some companies, such as Teledentix and Virtudent, offer virtual consultations with dentists who are licensed in the patient's state. With those consultations, a licensed dentist can offer recommendations for proper oral hygiene and answer any related questions. This trend in dental care is likely to extend further, especially as the technology improves and becomes more readily available.
Personalised Oral Care Based on Genetics
Personalised health care has been a growing trend, but it's beginning to filter through to oral health as well. Genetic testing has become more common in the area of oral health, with the potential to assess a person’s risk for developing issues like cavities, gum disease or even tooth sensitivity. For instance, DNA companies such as OralDNA Labs are offering genetic testing, allowing dentists to take a customised approach to treatment and prevention.
3D Printing in Dentistry
3D printing has impacted several industries, and dentistry has not been left behind. Over the past couple of years, however, this technology has completely transformed the practice of dentistry, particularly in the areas of dental implants, crowns, and dentures. According to the American Dental Association, restorative procedures have become quicker, cheaper, and more accurate with 3D printing. Patients can now get dental crowns or veneers in one visit, thanks to on-demand production of these devices by 3D printers in their clinics. Moving forward, as the technology becomes wide and in use, this may also lead to the development of other treatments that are more affordable and more patient-centred.
Natural and Sustainable Oral Care Products
Consumers are taking more notice of the environmental consequences of items used in daily life, which applies to oral health as well. The inclination toward natural and sustainable items continues to grow, with more and more manufacturers providing eco-friendly toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. And they have just started with bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste in refillable tubes, and products without artificial ingredients. Brands like Hello and Bite are taking a leadership role by supplying more sustainable versions of traditional oral health products. Beyond the environmental benefits, these products often have fewer chemicals that could be helpful for individuals with sensitive teeth or gums. Since natural and eco-friendly products keep gaining interest, this trend will continue to affect the marketplace in oral hygiene and oral care.
Laser Dentistry for Pain-Free Procedures
Laser dentistry enhances the speed, minimises invasion, and maximises comfort of dental therapies. The effectiveness of lasers in treatments ranges from cavity detection, through gum diseases, teeth whitening, and even tumour or growth removal from the oral cavity. This technology has been a boon in treating soft tissue problems, such as diseases of the gums or gum shaping. As the technology becomes more developed and affordable, it will probably become an everyday tool within most dental practices. According to one paper in Lasers in Medical Science, laser dentistry boosts treatment accuracy, enhancing quality while minimising patient recovery time.
AI-Driven Diagnostics
Artificial intelligence is applied in more than just smart toothbrushes; it is also assisting dentists in diagnosing and treating oral health issues with more accuracy. AI-based diagnostic tools are analysing x-rays and scans to identify early signs of decay, gum disease and other oral health issues that humans may not be able to detect. These tools can also monitor changes over time, helping dentists identify problems before they become worse.
Smart Toothbrushes and AI-Powered Technology
The conventional toothbrush is increasingly being enhanced with smart technology. Smart toothbrushes utilise sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse your brushing habits and provide real-time feedback. They can track how well you’re brushing, the pressure you’re applying, and the areas you may be neglecting. The data that is collected is sent to an app on your smartphone where you receive personalised advice about improving your brushing style. One of the leading brands, Philips Sonicare, has launched toothbrushes that provide feedback on speed, technique, and coverage. These devices even motivate a user to brush for the full two minutes recommended length which can make brushing easier to maintain. A study done with patients using smart toothbrushes, compared to patients brushing using traditional methods, showed significant improvements in oral health according to Torrance dentist Dr. Salo.
Final Words
The future of oral health looks promising with new trends emerging. From AI tools for diagnosis to the ease of teledentistry, taking care of our teeth is becoming more personalised, efficient, and accessible. As technology advances, dental care will be more tailored to individual needs, providing more accurate treatments and improved results. Keeping up with these trends can help you maintain a healthy smile for years ahead.
As these innovations grow, dental care will be more than just brushing and flossing—it's about using technology and knowledge to actively support long-term oral health.
This article is part of the HealthManagement.org Point-of-View Programme.
