GnasherSnapper

How did you come up with the idea for GnasherSnapper?

We look at common problems in everyday life, one of these was dental hygiene. We recognised how it’s especially prominent in younger children and the potential dangers that could arise in the youth’s later lives with their dental health if they carried on with the same practices as they do now.

How did you go about developing the solution?

We investigated using machine learning to help people with brushing their teeth, using image recognition. The types of visual marker for poor brushing we found were debris, plaque, bleeding and irregular spots on the teeth, so these are things we want to highlight to the user.

How does GnasherSnapper work?

Using a picture library of examples of dental hygiene, the algorithm analyses the photo (taken by the app) and finds suitable matches from the library. On matching the visual markers it will advise on brushing technique or a visit to a dentist. Each session is recorded so progress over time.

Why should your product win its category and why should people vote for you in the People’s Choice Award?

Gov.uk reported a quarter of 5-year-olds had experienced tooth decay. Tooth extraction, the most common reason for hospital admission for children aged 5-9. GnasherSnapper will improve young children's brushing in a fun and effective way, revolutionising the way children brush their teeth.