A key goal for researchers is that one day, humans will be able to regrow lost teeth. Scientists have been exploring this possibility for several years, but have struggled to make progress. Now, a new facility has opened in Canada which aims to take inspiration from fish in terms of finding ways of regrowing teeth.
When you think about the possibility of regrowing teeth, it is unlikely that your first thought might be based around fish. However, you might do soon!
Some tropical fish have the ability to grow and then shed multiple sets of teeth over their lifetime. Unfortunately, humans only get deciduous teeth, and then adult teeth.
With this unique ability in mind, a new research facility which will study fish closer has been officially opened [1]. The aim is that one day, human teeth will be able to regrow.
University of Manitoba’s New Facility
The University of Manitoba in Canada has officially opened a new facility called the Rady Biomedical Fish Facility, which is part of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences [1].
This facility, which cost $2.5 million, has the aim of advancing research into the possibility of the regrowth of teeth – something which has been a key research subject for decades [1].
The facility is equipped with modern tools which can be used to study two freshwater species – zebrafish and Mexican tetra fish. Currently, there are approximately 2,000 zebrafish and 250 Mexican tetras at the facility [1].
The use of fish
Fish are very useful species to study. As Dr. Benjamin Lindsey – who works at the Max Rady College of Medicine – says, “about 70% of fish genes are the same as human genes” [1].
Therefore, scientists can learn a lot through studying fish. When using a microscope, researchers can study how the bones, teeth, organs and sensory systems of fish develop [1].
Lindsey has stated that “we’re trying to understand what’s unique, what’s special about the fish that lets them do this” [1].
By gaining a thorough understanding of the genetics behind the regeneration of teeth, the researchers believe that they will – echoing the words of Lindsey – be able to find out what is unique and special about the fish.
The hope is that this will eventually pave the way for dentists of the future to learn how to regrow teeth [1]. This would be an enormous achievement.
Lindsey has said that the technology at the facility means that “we’re leading players” in the effort to further the understanding of this subject area [1].
Why would the ability to regrow teeth be helpful?
So why is there so much interest in regrowing teeth? There are many reasons why scientists have ploughed significant resources into this area.
Tooth loss is very common. For example, approximately 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, which underlines the scale of the issue [2].
Tooth loss can result in difficulties in chewing and swallowing, while it can also negatively impact self-esteem. Being able to regrow teeth would stop this.
Dental implants are an excellent solution to missing teeth. However, they are very expensive, meaning that not everyone can afford them.
It would also mean that those who have lost teeth through extensive decay, advanced gum disease, trauma or through an illness, would be able to regrow their teeth.
Furthermore, the ability to regrow teeth would help many people who have a physical illness which results in malformations in teeth growth. For example, children with a condition called congenital tooth agenesis often have teeth missing, so this could certainly help them.
Finally, the ability for teeth to regrow would save money for hospitals and lower the number of people needing treatment.
Summary
This facility is certainly exciting. There is certainly a lot of potential for the research to yield findings that could one day lead to knowledge on how teeth could regrow.
Moreover, the facility is also helping out with research into physical health too, with the researchers looking at how these fish are capable of regenerating tissues after serious injuries.
As discussed above, there are many reasons why the ability to regrow our teeth would be helpful. This is an important objective of this facility.
Hopefully the research over the next few years will contribute towards the completion of this goal, which would be an incredible and major achievement in healthcare.
Thinking points…
1) While the possibility of teeth regrowing naturally may one day become a reality, realistically this is unlikely to happen soon. Therefore, remember to take excellent care of your oral health! One way of doing this involves attending regular dental check-ups. These allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health in detail and carry out an examination. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) It is common to be missing a tooth, or multiple teeth. If you are in this situation, a great option can be implants! Dental implants look natural, provide long-lasting results, and can improve your self-esteem. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free implant consultations. These consultations offer you the chance to review potential options, you can read more about this at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Mayes, A. (2024). UM unveils new research facility where tropical fish shed light on human health. Available: https://news.umanitoba.ca/um-unveils-new-research-facility-where-tropical-fish-shed-light-on-human-health/. Last accessed: 21st November 2024.
[2] American College of Prosthodontists. (2015). Missing Teeth. Available: https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf. Last accessed: 21st November 2024.
