Traditional diagnostics wait for chronic diseases to cause enough damage to appear in lab tests, but AI can now predict them way before, just using your spit.
Saliva contains more than 3,000 proteins and can reveal systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. Health tech giants are now leveraging AI-driven analysis of these salivary biomarkers to integrate medical-grade diagnostic capabilities into everyday products. From smart toothbrushes to user-friendly point-of-care test kits, consumers can now receive diagnoses directly via simple smartphone apps.
This leap in AI-enabled predictive health analytics is attracting serious attention from venture capitalists like Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, and SignalFire. In 2024, digital health startups in the US raised $10.1 billion across 497 deals, signaling strong investor confidence in this space. Platforms like Overjet, Pearl, and VideaHealth are already transforming oral care with AI-driven image analysis, predictive modeling, and personalized patient engagement.
Healthcare companies that fail to integrate these AI capabilities risk being outpaced by nimble startups as they capture a valuable segment of the market. To maintain their dominance in the market, these companies must keep a pulse on such emerging innovations to stay competitive, identify untapped areas, and develop differentiated products.
Neordent’s advanced electric toothbrush combines LED bristles, a camera, and AI diagnostics for real-time feedback
India-based Neordent Healthcare Solutions has developed a smart toothbrush that integrates fiber-optic bristles and high-resolution cameras for proactive monitoring of oral health. The fiber-optic bristles emit LED light during brushing to enhance imaging, while the miniature camera captures high-resolution images of the teeth and gums. A 3D imaging module then generates a detailed model of the dental anatomy of the user.
The toothbrush also incorporates a multi-sensor array to monitor pH levels, saliva composition, and bacterial presence, which are key indicators of oral health. AI analyzes these images, models, and saliva tests against a comprehensive dental health database to identify conditions like plaque, cavities, and gum issues. A dedicated mobile application synchronized with the toothbrush provides users with real-time updates on their oral health status. This facilitates remote consultations with dental professionals.
Interestingly, the patent examination for this innovation was expedited through the filing of Form 18A. This highlights the commercial value of the innovation and the company’s strategic intent to prevent competitors from entering this space.
In October 2024, global platform F6S ranked this Assam-based Neordent’s company #1 among India’s top dentistry startups.
Oral Genome’s saliva test kit delivers personalized health insights in just 15 minutes
94% of diseases have oral origins. However, challenges like a lack of standardized diagnostic tools limit the clinical applicability of oral biomarkers.
California-based startup Oral Genome is overcoming this challenge with a saliva-based test kit. This point-of-care kit helps users detect multiple biomarkers, including MMP-8, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and glucose levels. This enables in the early detection of dental caries, periodontal disease, and diabetes.
The test is simple. The user collects a saliva sample in the morning while the smartphone app guides them through the process. The kit uses nano-bead antibody conjugates to bind antigens in the saliva, causing a color change. Users then take a photo of the test with a color-calibrated card. Proprietary technology analyzes this photo by measuring antigen levels through color reaction and light transmission. The app uses computer vision and machine learning to analyze the results in real time. Finally, it generates a report with recommendations for the user.
The test can be performed at home or in clinical settings. It is FDA-classified as a General Wellness Product. This enables dental providers to track oral health markers without medical device clearance. Minimal technical support is needed, as AI-driven analysis makes the kit scalable for widespread use.
While competitors like OralDNA and Viome offer kits for early detection of oral conditions, Oral Genome stands out for its quick results, just 15 minutes. It uniquely detects glucose levels, offering valuable insights into diabetes risk.
The startup recently partnered with the American company Henry Schein. This partnership aims to expand the distribution of these testing kits into dental and medical practices. It has also secured investment from the American Dental Association.
Oral Genome has four patents, the latest of which was filed in 2024 by co-founder Tina Saw.
Conclusion
The oral healthcare industry is also seeing cross-sector disruption. Yili Group, known for its dairy probiotics, is now entering this space by using postbiotic peptides in chewing gums. Meanwhile, Dentalist is mixing CBD oil with ketogenic formulas to help repair tooth enamel at a molecular level. Health tech giants must closely track these developments to identify potential collaboration and acquisition opportunities. Fill out the form to get the report on five such breakthrough innovations in oral care before they hit the mainstream market.
