Recent research has found that “positive stress” can make good changes in tooth stem cells – which can make them more resistant to injury and disease. This boosts the potential of tooth regeneration too, and could help with more extensive research into tooth regeneration in the future. These findings come after a range of areas to do with cells and teeth were examined.
Stress is often seen as something negative. However, recent research has found that “positive stress” is capable of making good changes in tooth stem cells – which can make them more resistant to injury and disease [1].
In the past, when there have been issues with our natural teeth, it is common to turn to dentures or implants. But such research suggests that regenerating our natural teeth could be a possibility.
What happens when teeth get damaged?
The main research looks at the steps taken when teeth become damaged. When a tooth gets damaged, either through injury, trauma or decay, the tissue inside the tooth can become exposed to harmful bacteria. Moreover, it becomes vulnerable to infection.
If the tissue inside the tooth becomes fully infected, there are only a few current treatments. This includes a root canal treatment or extraction. At third option can be to remove the pulp in the tooth and fill the canal with artificial materials like rubber or cement.
This third option does however pose problems – as these artificial materials dry over time. Unfortunately, this means that extraction becomes likely – which is something all dentists try to avoid.
Therefore, scientists have looked for a long time at finding ways where a teeth is able to regenerate itself, and not need any manual work from dentists to do so.
The Research
The research was completed by a team from the Hong Kong University of Dentistry. Their work has been published in the Journal of Dental Research [1].
The authors acknowledged that the usual approach towards dental pulp regeneration – which involves stem cell-based therapeutics – has its limitations [1]. This is because a tooth’s root canal is surrounded by tissue with a limited blood supply, making it a harsh environment for any cells to be viable in. Moreover, with the low oxygen levels making it almost impossible for any cell transplant to thrive in.
The team instead used a technique where they modified the cells genetically, yet altered them to include a responsive state for low oxygen conditions – causing “stress” [1]. Therefore, this could theoretically help the cells to survive in the environment described above.
The research involved the root canal of a human tooth fragment being implanted into mice. The root canal was altered using the technique above. The researchers observed the mice, after 28 days they witnessed that tissue formation had occurred [1].
This research was able to show that such a technique appears to work. By adapting some elements in tooth stem cells, the stress was able to boost the regeneration of the tooth [1].
The researchers concluded that this positive stress could result in tooth stem cells becoming more resistant to disease and injury [1]. This would clearly have an excellent impact on teeth.
What this means
Overall, this research has been able to show that positive stress can have a positive impact on tooth stem cells, and can help to improve survival of teeth, and also play a potential role in tissue regeneration.
Dr. Dissanayaka is Assistant Professor in Oral Biosciences at Hong Kong University of Dentistry. He commented “former research has revealed that our cells possess (a) number of adaptive mechanisms for stress” [2].
But by pre-conditioning the cells genetically, this “significantly enhanced the dental hard tissue formation within the regenerated pulp tissue” – Dissanayaka says [2]. Continuing, he says that “tooth stem cells have an inherent capacity to survive under stress” [2].
Looking ahead, the authors aim to identify drugs that could be used in clinical tissue regeneration. This, along with the research carried out above, will help the team to form new strategies to improve the potential of tooth stem cells.
Thinking points…
1) The idea of tooth regeneration is certainly exciting. However, as always, the focus should be on prevention rather than treatment. The best way of preventing dental issues is to have strong oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and eating healthily. Another hugely important aspect of strong oral health is to have regular dental check-ups. We should have a check-up at least twice a year, why not book an appointment now?
2) It is important to remember that unlike many parts of the body, a tooth won’t automatically recover if it becomes damaged. Despite the regenerative topics outlined above, it isn’t something we will see overnight. It can be tempting to avoid visiting the dentist if you are in pain, as you may think it isn’t necessary. But if you leave problems untreated, they will only get worse. Therefore, if you do need treatment, do ensure that you book in an appointment!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.
We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.
It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.
The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.
We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Han, Y., Koohi-Moghadam, K., Chen, Q., Zhang, L., Chopra, H., Zhang, J., & Dissanayaka, W. L. (2022). HIF-1α Stabilization Boosts Pulp Regeneration by Modulating Cell Metabolism. Journal of Dental Research. 101 (10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F00220345221091528.
[2] University of Hong Kong. (2022). Dentistry study shows how ‘positive stress’ can boost tooth tissue regeneration. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-09-dentistry-positive-stress-boost-tooth.html. Last accessed: 10th September 2022.
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