Cryopreserving stem cells may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s very much a reality. Scientists have discovered that baby teeth contain stem cells that have the potential to regenerate various parts of the body, meaning that these small teeth could one day help save lives. Some parents, understanding the significance of this discovery, have begun storing their children’s baby teeth in what’s called tooth banking.
Understanding Stem Cells
Stem cells are unique in the human body because they can regenerate, divide, and repair tissues. They are the building blocks from which every organ and tissue in the body begins to form. There are two main types of stem cells:
- Embryonic stem cells: These are derived from embryos during the blastocyst phase of development.
- Adult stem cells: Found in adult tissues, these stem cells can be used to repair or replace damaged cells in the body.
The stem cells in baby teeth are known as SHED (stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth) cells. These cells have unique properties, as they not only form dentin, but also something similar to bone. Dr. Pamela Robey, chief of the craniofacial and skeletal disease branch at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, has pointed out that these SHED cells may have regenerative properties that could be beneficial for future medical treatments.
A Form of Biological Insurance
Baby teeth are similar to bone marrow in that they provide a valuable source of stem cells. For some parents, storing their children’s baby teeth has become a form of biological insurance. However, experts are still debating whether it is worth the investment at this time.
Dr. Robey states, “I don’t think it is a logical thing to do right now. That’s my personal opinion. But that doesn’t mean that in the future, someone could develop a method that makes them very beneficial.”
Potential Applications of Stem Cells
Stem cells harvested from baby teeth could have a variety of applications, such as
- Regenerating dental pulp
- Regenerating whole teeth
- Repairing cells damaged by chemotherapy or disease
- Treating blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and multiple myeloma
While these potential applications have yet to be tested with stem cells from baby teeth, the scientific evidence suggests that it’s not mere fantasy. The future may bring more breakthroughs that allow these stem cells to be used in medical treatments.
Dr. Jade Miller, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, says, “The science is strong enough to show it’s not science fiction. There’s going to be a significant application, and I want to give my grandkids the opportunity to have those options.”
Cryopreserving Baby Teeth: The Concept of ‘Tooth Banking’
While research is still ongoing, some dentists and stem cell researchers have collaborated to establish stem cell banks for baby teeth. Notable examples include Store-A-Tooth and ToothBank. In these services, parents send their children’s teeth to the lab, where stem cells are extracted and cultivated in a lab culture. Once grown, the cells are then cryopreserved for future use.
However, if you’re considering storing your child’s teeth, be prepared for the cost. Store-A-Tooth, for example, charges an initial fee of $1,747 and a yearly fee of $120. It’s important to note that scientists are still unsure when the technology or research will be advanced enough to make practical use of these stem cells. This means you might invest a significant amount of money without knowing when, or if, you’ll ever be able to benefit from it.
Additional Research Needed on Stem Cells
Promising developments have been made, including a 2018 trial by the University of Pennsylvania, which showed that stem cells from baby teeth could be used to regenerate dental tissue. While this is a step forward, most experts agree that it’s still too early to use dental pulp stem cells for tissue replacement or regeneration. However, the potential is clear, as scientists have already discovered that dental pulp can generate bone. As research progresses, we may be getting closer to unlocking the full capabilities of this emerging technology.
