A team at Tufts University has developed a high-tech dental floss that may soon help people monitor their stress—just by flossing their teeth.
The device, which looks like a standard floss pick, collects saliva and measures cortisol, the hormone linked to stress. It uses a mini sensor embedded in the handle and a thread-based system that channels saliva to a detection zone. The sensor provides real-time cortisol readings without needing lab tests or added chemicals.
Filling the Gap in Stress Monitoring
Cortisol is a key marker of stress. High levels over time are linked to serious health issues, including heart disease, depression, and high blood pressure. But current stress tests—like surveys, blood draws, or psychological evaluations—are either subjective or inconvenient.
Lead researcher Sameer Sonkusale, a Tufts engineering professor, said the idea was born out of a desire to make stress tracking part of a normal routine. “We didn’t want measurement to become another source of stress,” he said. “Flossing offered a simple, daily way to collect saliva.”
How It Works
The device uses electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymers (eMIPs)—a synthetic material that “remembers” cortisol’s shape. When saliva passes through the floss, cortisol molecules bind to the sensor and trigger an electrical signal. This signal is sent wirelessly to a smartphone.
The sensor is extremely sensitive, detecting cortisol levels as low as 0.048 picograms per milliliter—far below typical stress levels. Results are available in about 12 minutes, and early tests show a 98–102% accuracy rate, nearly matching lab methods like ELISA.
Beyond Stress: A New Era in Health Monitoring
Because the sensor technology is adaptable, it could also detect other biomarkers, like glucose, estrogen, or early signs of cancer. Researchers see this as a step toward noninvasive, real-time health tracking through everyday habits.
“Diagnostics still rely on blood,” Sonkusale said, “but for regular monitoring, saliva testing is a game changer. It helps people track how treatments are working or spot problems early.”
The team plans to launch a startup to bring the smart floss to market. If successful, it could lead the way in turning simple routines into powerful tools for personal health care.
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