The Future of Tooth Banking: Could Baby Teeth Save Lives?
Cryopreserving stem cells may sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but in reality, it is a rapidly advancing field with groundbreaking potential. Scientists have discovered that baby teeth contain stem cells capable of regenerating various tissues in the body, which means that in the future, these tiny teeth could be life-saving resources. As a result, some parents are turning to tooth banking, storing their children’s teeth in hopes that medical advancements will make them valuable for treating diseases down the line.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are unique cells in the body that have the remarkable ability to regenerate, divide, and repair tissues. Every organ and tissue in the human body originates from stem cells, making them an essential component of healing and regeneration. There are two primary sources of stem cells:
1️⃣ Embryonic Stem Cells – Found in embryos during early development.
2️⃣ Adult Stem Cells – Found in various tissues like bone marrow, fat, and even baby teeth.
🔬 The stem cells found in baby teeth are specifically known as SHED cells (Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth). These cells are similar to bone cells and dentin-producing cells, making them a promising area of research for regenerative medicine.
Dr. Pamela Robey, a leading researcher at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, explains:
“SHED cells seem to produce not only dentin but also something similar to bone.”
This discovery suggests that baby teeth could be valuable for medical treatments in the future.
Tooth Banking: A New Form of Biological Insurance?
🦷 Like bone marrow, baby teeth contain stem cells that could one day be used for medical treatments. As a result, some parents are now considering tooth banking—a process where baby teeth are collected, preserved, and stored in specialized stem cell banks.
However, scientists remain divided on whether this practice is currently worth the investment.
💬 Dr. Robey’s Opinion:
“Right now, I don’t think it is a logical thing to do. That’s my personal opinion. But that’s not to say that in the future, somebody won’t develop a method to make them beneficial.”
While the technology to fully harness the potential of baby teeth stem cells is still in its early stages, researchers believe it holds great promise.
Potential Uses of Baby Teeth Stem Cells
Although research is ongoing, SHED stem cells could eventually be used in treatments for:
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