Scientists a step closer to growing teeth from stem cells

**joebloggs** · 9th March 2013

Scientists have come a step closer to replacing missing teeth with implants grown from stem cells.

Researchers managed to engineer hybrid human-mouse teeth coated in enamel with developing roots.

It could mean that in future dentures are replaced by real substitute molars grown from "seeds" planted into a patient's jaw.

The technique involved growing cells from human gum tissue and combining them with tooth stem cells from mouse embryos
The combination cell clusters were transplanted into adult mouse kidneys where they grew into recognisable tooth structures
Examination showed that they contained dentin - the main structural material of teeth - as well as hard protective enamel. There was also evidence of viable root formation

Two kinds of cell were used to make the bioengineered teeth. Epithelial "surface lining" cells were taken from the gum tissue and mesenchymal cells from the mouse embryos. Mesenchymal stem cells can develop into a range of different tissues, including bone, cartilage and fat.

read more here ..http://www.itv.com/news/2013-03-09/s...om-stem-cells/

**stevewool** · 9th March 2013

at last

**KeithD** · 9th March 2013

It's easy to grow teeth .... it's stopping them from falling out that is the problem

**imagine** · 10th March 2013

they might squeek

**Doc Alan** · 10th March 2013

This study showed that cells
can be isolated from adult human gums and when combined with mouse embryonic tooth cells, form teeth with developing roots following transplantation into mice kidneys. Even the authors concede that it could be many years before dentists can apply this using entirely human cells.

• Pluripotent Stem Cells – such as embryonic stem cells - can divide for long periods and retain their ability to make ALL cell types within the organism. Recently pluripotent cells have been derived from from adult human skin cells ( induced pluripotent stem cells or iPS cells). ).

• Fetal stem cells are obtained from tissues of a developing human fetus. These cells have SOME characteristics of the tissues they are taken from.

• Adult stem cells are obtained from tissues such as bone marrow, to treat some blood diseases and cancers.

• Stem cell research is important - it may help treat diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, and cerebral palsy.
Stem cells may also be used for screening new drugs and toxins and understanding birth defects.
They have been used for the repair and reconstruction of several tissues such as trachea, oesophagus, and skeletal muscle in animal models and human beings.
• However, much research is still needed – such as stability, potential to transmit harmful pathogens ( bugs ) or genetic mutations, and risk of forming unwanted tissues or even tumours.

• It will cost US$ 32 to read the full article ( Adult Human Gingival Epithelial Cells as a Source for Whole-tooth Bioengineering. http://jdr.sagepub.com/content/early...513481041.full

) – the equivalent in GBP might be better spent having a dental check up !

• In the UK possibly a quarter of adults have either not recently visited their dentist and / or only brush their teeth once a day. A third have tooth decay ( starting in childhood ), most have at least one filling, only one in ten have “ excellent oral health “ and up to one in ten have no natural teeth.

• Simple measures – brushing teeth for 2 minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on sugary food / drinks, and visiting a dentist once a year would help oral and general health.

• The situation is even more alarming in the Philippines – especially in children, as anyone connected with the country will have observed for themselves. Almost all 6 year olds, and 9/10 adults, have tooth decay. The Department of Health does have a dental health programme aimed at reducing prevalence of dental caries to 85%, and periodontal ( gum ) disease to 60% by 2015.

• Cost / affordability – in both countries – is a major factor affecting dental health.

• Unfortunately these statistics – which reflect so much misery from pain, absenteeism from school or work, and general ill health – not to mention inability to smile, speak and eat properly – don’t grab the headlines like growing teeth in mouse kidneys !

http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Dentalhea...entalhome.aspx
http://www.dentalhealth.org/
http://www.doh.gov.ph/node/1066.html

**stevewool** · 10th March 2013

not to mention inability to smile, speak and eat properly – don’t grab the headlines like growing teeth in mouse kidneys !

this is what i find hard with my false tooth, its missing the taste of things too,