Start-up idea: Real-time oral microbiome monitoring device

Oral microbiome research and the related market are poised for exponential growth in the coming years. Reason? —their potential to revolutionize preventive healthcare, personalized treatments, and early disease detection.

The oral microbiome can reveal early markers for diseases, enabling the prevention and early detection of conditions like cavities, gum disease, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and even cancer. By uncovering the specific microbial patterns linked to these health conditions, we can develop personalized and predictive dentistry strategies, tailored therapeutics, and targeted lifestyle interventions that promote a balanced microbiome.

Oral microbiome-related market size

The potential market size for oral microbiome-related products and services is substantial and poised for significant growth. The net market size is a combination of the following five markets.

1. The global?oral care market size?was estimated at USD 37.7 billion in 2023?and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2024 to 2030.
2. The global?microbiome therapeutics market size?was valued at USD?94.86?million in 2022?and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.32% from 2023?to 2030.
3. The global?dental diagnostic and surgical equipment market size?was estimated at USD 6.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2021 to 2028.
4. The global?digital health market?size is anticipated to reach USD 946.0 billion by 2030 and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.9% from 2024 to 2030.
5. The global?personalized medicine market was valued at USD 529.28 billion in 2023?and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.20% from 2024 to 2030.? Link:

Start-up idea: Real-time oral microbiome monitoring device

Idea: A small, sensor-equipped device that patients place in their mouths daily to monitor changes in their oral microbiome in real-time. The device uses biosensors to detect bacterial composition and levels, providing alerts for early signs of conditions like gingivitis, cavities, or halitosis, or even several medical conditions.

Why this idea is unique: While microbiome research is growing, no existing consumer device can continuously monitor oral health at a microbial level. This device would bring preventative care to the forefront by enabling patients and dentists to act on issues before they become symptomatic.

Pain points solved:

• Early detection of oral diseases: Identifies changes in the oral microbiome before visible symptoms appear.
• Preventive care: Helps patients take proactive measures against oral health issues, potentially reducing the need for invasive treatments. Can even warn about several medical conditions, and an individual's response to various treatments.
• Personalized dental care: Allows dentists to customize treatments based on individual microbial data.

Timeline:

• Research and development: 6-9 months (developing biosensors and ensuring biocompatibility).
• Prototype development and testing: 4-6 months (creating working prototypes and testing in controlled environments).
• Regulatory approval and Pilot launch: 6-12 months (obtaining necessary health and safety certifications).
• Full market launch: 1.5 to 2 years (scaling production and launching to a wider audience).

Currently available oral microbiome monitoring device: Oralflor Scan

OralFlor Scan is a diagnostic test that analyzes the oral microbiome and typically involves collecting a saliva or dental plaque sample, which is then analyzed in a laboratory by molecular testing (RT-PCR) of the following:

1. Total microbial genome count
2. Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans
3. Porphyromonas Gingivalis
4. Prevotella Intermedia
5. Treponema Denticola
6. Tannerella Forsythia
7. Candida Albicans

The startup idea given in this newsletter is different from OralFlor Scan in that it does not involve any saliva or dental plaque sample collection. It involves a sensor-equipped device that patients place in their mouths to monitor their oral microbiome daily.

Recommended video on oral microbiome-related entrepreneurship

Danny Grannick is the CEO & Co-Founder at Bristle Health. They use genomics to measure the bacteria in saliva that are linked to periodontal disease and caries and also heart attack, Alzheimer's, and cancer. They then offer evidence-based recommendations and treatments for helping to prevent them. Danny Grannick holds a bachelors degree in biochemistry from UCSD and a masters in Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship from NYU.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJivwpfdVdo