As children, most of us experience the loss of baby teeth, replaced by permanent ones. This process of tooth eruption is natural and marks the transition from our first set of delicate teeth to more durable, adult teeth. It also sparks curiosity about animals that continuously regrow their teeth, such as sandbar sharks, which sprout thousands of teeth over time, or rabbits, whose incisors grow continuously as they are worn down. So, why don’t humans naturally regenerate teeth, and how close are scientists to making tooth regeneration a reality?
Dr. Ophir Klein, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, explains that humans are far from having the ability to naturally regenerate teeth. He notes that animals and early vertebrates evolved differently, and while we’ve mastered artificial enamel and using stem cells for certain dental treatments, growing a full tooth remains a challenge. While it’s unlikely that we will see this in the next five years, Dr. Klein believes it could be a reality within the next few decades, as advancements in stem cell research and bioengineering continue.
However, the process of regenerating a tooth involves more than just creating the tooth itself. Dr. Salvador Nares, a professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago, explains that a key challenge is ensuring the new tooth integrates with the bone and remains functional within the jaw. The tooth must be durable, the right shape, and it must stop growing at the right time to avoid the risk of cancer.
Research on stem cells from baby teeth, scaffolds (structures used to seed cells), and gene-editing techniques like CRISPR is making progress. Dr. Afsar Naqvi, also from the University of Illinois, suggests that gene editing could help prevent organ rejection by using the patient’s own cells for tooth regeneration. There is even research on a potential antibody drug that might stimulate tooth growth by targeting a specific gene (USAG-1). However, concerns remain about the gene’s broader impact, as it is also expressed in other tissues, such as kidneys.
While the idea of growing new teeth sounds promising, experts caution that we’re still a long way from this technology being available. Dr. Nares suggests that advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies may speed up the process, but it could still take years before we see any practical solutions. In the meantime, maintaining the teeth we have is essential.
Dr. Nares emphasizes the importance of good oral hygiene, as gum disease has been linked to serious health issues like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. He advises not to neglect regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, as the bacteria from the mouth can affect other parts of the body.
For now, while tooth regeneration remains a distant goal, taking care of your natural teeth is still the best option for long-term health.
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