Tech Update - Scientists Grow Teeth in The Laboratories

It is amazing what science can do these days.gene called BARX-1 has been found to control the
You have probably seen people with artificial limbs,growth of teeth. In the next 10 or 20 years, we
known or heard of someone who has had breastmay be able to apply a gel to the gums or a
implants or cosmetic surgery or you may havetooth to stimulate tooth repair and growth.
even read about the successful cloning of Dolly,Imagine having a special solution painted on your
the British sheep!tooth to repair a cavity instead of having a filling.
Scientists are also working to find breakthroughsImagine the difference between having no tooth
that will change the face of dentistry. Discoveriesand a newly grown tooth in a matter of weeks,
over the past year could lead to the ability tothanks to this innovation! It sounds far-fetched,
grow teeth!but growing new teeth is within the realms of
Scientists at the University of Texas-Houstonpossibility in the next decade.
Dental Branch and the Baylor College of MedicineScientists at the University of South California,
have discovered why three generations in oneCenter for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, have
family were born without a full set of first andbeen analyzing tooth enamel for 20 years. "Why?"
second molars. After reviewing their DNA (theyou may ask. Their goal is to be able to offer
blueprints for the body genetic makeup) thefillings that most closely resemble enamel, rather
problem was narrowed down to one particularthan using silver, gold or resin materials.
gene (PAX9). When a mutation of this geneLast summer, the researchers identified tiny
occurs, people are born without a full set of teeth.spheres, which regulate how enamel forms. For
As many as 20 percent of the population do notnow, the strength of enamel can not be replicated
have a full set of first and second molars becausein a laboratory, but they understand how nature
of this problem. Now that researchers know whatmakes it. With time, synthetic enamel should be
happens when PAX9 mutates, they have ananother option we can offer!
opportunity to better understand the genetics ofResearchers say there are many more genes
tooth development and possibly replicate theaffecting tooth formation that they have not
process of growing new teeth.even discovered yet. Before long, there will be
But PAX9 is not the only tooth-related geneticunlimited ways to improve your dental health and
discovery that scientistsGel to enhance toothmake the most of your smile.
growth have revealed in the past few months. A