What is it?
As people age, oral health often declines, leading to issues such as gum disease and the need for dentures. These challenges can be both physically and emotionally distressing, highlighting the importance of preventive measures. The app “2 Care”, developed by students from Tunghai University, Ming Chi University of Technology, and National Taipei University of Education in Taiwan, offers a solution. It uses artificial intelligence combined with traditional orthodontic methods to monitor oral health. By detecting plaque buildup and identifying areas that need more attention, the app helps users maintain better dental hygiene and avoid severe dental issues later in life.
Social Impact
The app addresses a widespread need for proactive dental care, especially for seniors and individuals prone to oral health issues. With most people visiting dentists only once or twice a year, “2 Care” fills a critical gap by providing consistent and accessible monitoring. This empowers users to take control of their dental hygiene, reducing the likelihood of gum disease and other oral health problems. Additionally, the app could alleviate the emotional toll of aging-related dental issues by encouraging better self-care and preventing the need for costly interventions like dentures.
Possible Effects on the Future
“2 Care” has the potential to revolutionize how people approach dental hygiene. By leveraging AI, the app can provide personalized insights and recommendations, making dental care more accessible and effective. Its adoption could significantly reduce the prevalence of gum disease, saving individuals thousands of dollars in treatment costs and reducing the financial burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, the app could inspire similar AI-driven tools for other areas of health monitoring, promoting a broader culture of preventive care.
Possible Improvements
While “2 Care” is an innovative solution, it faces potential challenges. Accessibility may be limited if the app requires advanced technology or significant user familiarity with smartphones and AI tools, particularly for older individuals. Additionally, reliance on self-monitoring may lead to inconsistent use or inaccurate results for some users. Future improvements could focus on integrating the app with professional dental services, allowing dentists to remotely monitor and guide users. Ensuring affordability, user-friendly design, and compatibility with various devices will be essential to maximizing its impact.