A group of American researchers found that in the teeth, which usually fall out at the age of five to seven, there are stem cells that will be able to help regenerate tissues in the future
Your children's baby teeth may be worth a lot more than what they get from the mouth. A group of American researchers found that in the teeth, which usually fall out at the age of five to seven, there are stem cells that will be able to help regenerate tissue in the future.
Until today, embryonic stem cells were considered the best source of stem cells, and the future hope for the treatment of disabilities such as limb amputation. But many scientists believe that there is a moral problem in taking cells from an embryo. The discovery, published in the Journal of the National Academy of Sciences, may solve the need to take these cells from live embryos.
The scientists of the National Dental Institute of the United States, led by Dr. Songtao Shi, reported yesterday to the prestigious journal that it was discovered that baby teeth are an excellent source of stem cells, provided they are collected as soon as possible.
The research involved taking stem cells from milk teeth, and found that these cells were able to transform themselves into different cells, including nerve cells.
The study demonstrated that stem cells from the bed of the milk teeth that were detached from their place naturally, can be developed in the laboratory for bone tissue, dentin (tooth tissue) and even nerve cells.
Dr. Shay said that he received the inspiration for the research when his little daughter's tooth fell out: "We took a good look at the tooth, and saw that there was still living tissue inside. I decided to take the tooth to the lab and check the issue and that's how the research began."
Stem cells in milk teeth
14.6.2005
From: Popular Science
The value of baby teeth may be more than parents think. Scientists have discovered in the teeth of babies a treasure of stem cells - the magical cells that precede the heart system, nerves and most other types of cells. The meaning of the discovery is that from now on parents will not tell their child to keep the tooth under the pillow and ask for a wish, but in a reserved place, so that in the future it will be possible to use them in case of injury or illness.
So far, researchers have succeeded in grafting stem cells derived from milk teeth into nerve, bone and tooth forming cells. The cells may one day allow humans to grow new bones or treat diseases related to nerves, such as Alzheimer's.
Songtao Xi, who led the study, says it all started when his daughter's first tooth fell out. While holding the tiny tooth in his hand, he suddenly noticed a spot of dark red tissue, trapped deep within the tooth. At first he believed that it was compressed fluff tissue with blood vessels and nerves that ensure the tooth's appearance. Even in adults, the fluff tissue is found in the place known as the hiding place of the stem cells.
When Shai took the tooth to the laboratory, he discovered on closer inspection the presence of stem cells in the heart of the tissue. This discovery could make the Tooth Fairy unemployed.
