Japanese researchers are testing an innovative drug that could enable people with missing teeth to grow new ones, offering a potential alternative to traditional dentures and implants.
While humans, unlike reptiles and fish, generally only grow two sets of teeth, researchers at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka have discovered that beneath our gums lies the dormant potential for a third set. Katsu Takahashi, head of oral surgery at the hospital, and his team have initiated clinical trials at Kyoto University Hospital, where they are administering an experimental medication to adult participants in an effort to trigger the growth of these hidden teeth.
“This technology is completely new to the world,” Takahashi told AFP.
For people who lose teeth due to decay, injury, or disease, prosthetics are often the go-to solution. However, these treatments can be expensive and invasive, making the possibility of regenerating natural teeth an appealing alternative. Takahashi, who leads the research, emphasized the advantages of restoring natural teeth, which have a far lower cost and less impact on the body compared to artificial options.
Previous experiments on animals like mice and ferrets have shown that blocking a specific protein, USAG-1, can activate the growth of these hidden teeth. The researchers have already published lab images showing regrown teeth in these animals. In a study from last year, the team concluded that their antibody treatment was effective in regenerating teeth in mice and could revolutionize treatments for tooth-related issues in humans.
Targeting Children with Missing Teeth
Currently, the primary focus of the project is on patients who were born without six or more permanent teeth, a hereditary condition that affects about 0.1 percent of the population. Those affected often experience severe difficulties in chewing and, in Japan, may wear face masks for much of their adolescence to conceal the gaps in their mouths.
“This drug could be a game-changer for them,” Takahashi said, adding that the drug is primarily being developed for children. The team aims to make the drug available by 2030.
Angray Kang, a professor of dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, notes that Takahashi’s team is the leader in this innovative field. Kang pointed out that while there are similar efforts underway to regenerate teeth using antibodies, Takahashi’s work is particularly exciting because of the progress being made with a drug targeting a protein similar to USAG-1, which is already being used to treat osteoporosis.
“It’s not a short sprint, but more like a series of ultra-marathons,” Kang said, emphasizing the long road ahead for this breakthrough.
Challenges and Controversies
While the research is promising, not all experts are convinced. Chengfei Zhang, a clinical professor at the University of Hong Kong, cautioned that outcomes seen in animals may not directly translate to humans. Zhang also raised concerns about whether the regenerated teeth would be functionally and aesthetically suitable replacements for missing teeth.
Despite these challenges, Takahashi remains confident that his team can control the location where the new tooth grows, based on where the drug is injected. If the tooth grows in the wrong spot, it may be repositioned through orthodontics or transplantation.
Clinical Trials and Future Prospects
The current clinical trials are focused on testing the safety of the drug, rather than its ability to regenerate teeth. Participants are healthy adults who have lost at least one tooth. While tooth regeneration is not the primary goal of the trial, Takahashi believes there’s a slim chance that the drug could prompt tooth regrowth even in these subjects.
“If that happens, it would be a medical triumph,” Takahashi said, expressing his excitement at the possibility.
The potential impact of this technology is significant, particularly in Japan, where the aging population presents a growing challenge. According to health ministry data, more than 90 percent of people aged 75 or older in Japan are missing at least one tooth. Takahashi is hopeful that this groundbreaking research could not only improve dental health but also extend the healthy life expectancy of older individuals in Japan.
“Expectations are high that our technology can directly extend their healthy life expectancy,” Takahashi said.
Related topics:
Philips Sonicare 5500 Toothbrush 51% Off – Better Plaque Removal & Whitening
Major Discounts on Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes: Save Up to 65% on Top Models
Understanding Three-Month-Old Teething: Signs, Effects, and Management
