Don’t put that baby tooth under a pillow. Put it in storage.
By Jason S. Kasarsky, DDS
Here’s a jaw-dropping look into the future.
Scientists are now telling us that so-called “baby” teeth may be of unique value. Children develop a set of 20 baby or deciduous teeth. These teeth appear at about age six months and are replaced one tooth at a time between the age of six and twelve. According to researchers, these tiny teeth -- that are only useful for a short time -- contain a rich supply of stem cells in their dental pulp.
What’s more, these stem cells actually remain alive inside the baby tooth for a period of time after it falls out of the child’s mouth. Thus, these stem cells could easily be harvested for important research. In fact, baby and wisdom teeth, along with jawbone and periodontal ligament, are non-controversial sources of stem cells that can be “banked” or “stored” for future use.
The “tooth fairy” of the future may be able to rescue and store a person’s baby or wisdom teeth. Then years later -- when they are an adult -- use these stem cells from their baby teeth to help the owner fight hereditary or acquired diseases. The latest findings indicate that viable, living baby teeth contain stem cells that can form nerve, bone and cartilage cells. Referred to by scientists as SHED -- Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth -- these stem cells hold potential for treating illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, spinal injuries and more.
Interestingly, there is a company, Babytooth Technologies located in Vermont, that is the first company in the nation to provide preservation services for parents who wish to store viable baby teeth. Apparently, to remain viable and yield stem cells, a baby tooth must be properly cared for the instant it is removed. Babytooth Technologies has a unique transport system that sustains the tooth for over 72 hours, so time is of the essence once a child looses the tooth.
Clearly, the future holds great promise for advancing the capabilities of modern dentistry.
Right now the average American will lose about eight teeth by the time they reach the age of 50. In the not too distant future, we may see the development of the technology to grow replacement teeth. This is a potentially easier and certainly a healthier alternative to dentures and less invasive than implants. At King’s College in London efforts are now underway to do just that. Scientists there hope to “program” stem cells to grow into teeth and then transplant them into the patient’s jaw where the gap is. It is believed it will take about two months for the new tooth to develop. Human trials may start in the near future.
And there’s more. Last December, researchers at the University of Southern California successfully regenerated tooth root and supporting periodontal ligaments to restore tooth function in an animal model. Utilizing stem cells harvested from extracted wisdom teeth from 18-20 year olds, researchers have created in the laboratory sufficient root and ligament structure to support a crown restoration. It is reported that amazingly the resulting tooth restoration closely resembled the original tooth in both function and its strength.
I’m sure I will be reporting more exciting developments in stem cell research in this column as more research programs now underway report findings. It appears that right around the corner lies a new world of possibilities in dentistry -- one where wisdom teeth and baby teeth, once casually discarded, will become valuable tools to improve the human condition.
Dr. Kasarsky practices dentistry in New York City (212-838-8230). His practice was one of the first in Manhattan to use an extensive array of lasers in daily practice. Dr. Kasarsky, whose hobbies include sculpting and painting, is also recognized for his exceptional skill in cosmetic dentistry. He states, “Dentistry is the perfect blend of art and science. The art of illusion has to be mastered. Matching the personality of the patient with the look of the smile is a step beyond what we are given at birth.” On the cutting edge of the latest advances in oral care, Dr. Kasarsky is currently mastering yet another new technology: Botox for dentistry.
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