Although we are accustomed to the fact that teeth only grow twice, a new drug may help a third set of teeth emerge.
According to Euronews, scientists are making significant progress in developing a drug capable of activating the mechanism that allows teeth to regrow.
Clinical trials for this drug are expected to begin in July next year and may be available for dentists by 2030.
The tooth regrowth drug will be a revolution. (Illustrative image – Euronews)
Congenital dental defects are a common condition in humans, affecting 1% of the global population.
The research conducted by the Kitano Medical Research Institute at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, Japan, aims to provide a treatment for patients with permanent tooth loss due to congenital factors related to genetic influence or developmental issues during the fetal stage.
Individuals suffering from congenital tooth loss known as anodontia have no natural teeth due to defects during development. This condition often appears alongside other genetic disorders, such as ectodermal dysplasia (defects in hair, nails, teeth, skin, and glands). Common treatments include dentures and dental implants.
Natural tooth loss can hinder basic skills such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking from a young age. This can negatively impact a child’s development.
Dr. Katsu Takahashi, Head of Oral Surgery at the Kitano Medical Research Institute, has been studying this drug since his days as a recent graduate in the early 1990s.
“The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream,” Dr. Takahashi shared with the Japanese magazine The Mainichi, further expressing confidence that he can make this dream a reality.
This research team successfully stimulated the development of “third generation” teeth – following milk teeth and permanent teeth – in mice and ferrets by targeting a gene named USAG-1, which has been found to restrict tooth development in humans.
By developing a neutralizing antibody drug that inhibits the activity of USAG-1, Dr. Takahashi’s team was able to induce tooth regrowth in mice and ferrets.
These promising results were published in the scientific journal Nature in 2021, attracting the attention of the global scientific community.
Observers comment that the tooth regrowth drug will be revolutionary, providing an alternative solution for those who have lost teeth due to cavities or severe oral diseases.
The team is working diligently to prepare this drug for practical use. Once safety and effectiveness are assured, it will be administered to children aged 2 to 6 showing signs of anodontia.
Dr. Takahashi envisions that in the future, the tooth regrowth drug will become a viable third option alongside dentures and dental implants, offering patients the chance to regain natural teeth.
