The tooth fairy is a welcome guest for any child who has lost a tooth. Not only will the fairy leave a small gift under the child’s pillow, but they be assured of a replacement tooth in a few months. Unfortunately, the scenario is quite different for adults grappling with a loss of teeth. Luckily, there may be some hope thanks to a new study performed by scientists at Kyoto University and the University of Fukui.
A dental breakthrough
While the typical adult mouth houses 32 teeth, approximately 1% of the population exhibits variations of them, either possessing more or fewer teeth due to congenital conditions. Researchers have delved into the genetic factors behind cases of excessive teeth, seeking valuable insights into the potential regeneration of teeth in adults. This study is the first to show that monoclonal antibodies can help regrow teeth. It suggests a new way to treat a dental problem that currently requires implants and other artificial solutions.
A bit of science
The research team disclosed that an antibody targeting a specific gene, known as uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), can induce tooth development in mice affected by tooth agenesis, a congenital condition. The findings were published in the journal, Science Advances.
As per Katsu Takahashi, a senior lecturer at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and one of the principal contributors to the study, the essential molecules crucial for the development of teeth have already been pinpointed. “The morphogenesis of individual teeth depends on the interactions of several molecules including BMP, or bone morphogenetic protein, and Wnt signaling,” says Takahashi.
On April 13, 2021, the University of Kyoto posted its first pic of newly-grown teeth in mice.
BMP and Wnt are involved in more than just tooth development; they affect the growth of organs and tissues early in the body’s development. Because drugs affecting them directly might have broad side effects, scientists are cautious. To find a potentially safer method, researchers focused on the gene USAG-1, thinking that aiming at factors countering BMP and Wnt specifically in tooth development could be more precise.
“We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough,” added Takahashi.
The first results
Scientists looked at how different monoclonal antibodies affect USAG-1. Monoclonal antibodies are often used to treat things like cancer and arthritis and for making vaccines. Tests with this antibody showed that BMP signaling is crucial for deciding the number of teeth in mice. Also, just one treatment was enough to grow a whole tooth. Further tests confirmed these positive results in ferrets too.
“Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans. Our next plan is to test the antibodies on other animals, such as pigs and dogs,” explained Takahashi.
Fully regrown frontal teeth in ferrets
The next steps
Now, scientists are going to test the drug on healthy adults. If that goes well, the team plans to try it on kids aged 2 to 6 with a rare tooth problem called anodontia, a genetic disorder defined as the absence of all teeth. These kids will get one shot of the drug to see if it makes their teeth grow. If everything works out, the medicine might be approved by 2030.
Takahashi sees the new medicine as an additional choice for individuals who are missing some or all of their teeth.
“The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream,” Takahashi told the Japanese newspaper, The Mainichi in June this year. “I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I’d be able to make it happen.”
So hopefully, by the year 2030, humans will get a chance to have their third generation of teeth grown and say goodbye to implants. Until then, make sure to keep your teeth strong and healthy — this article will help you with that.
Preview photo credit KyotoU_News / Twitter
Revive Your Leather Goods with an Egg and Toothpaste Hack!
Are your leather shoes, jackets, or furniture looking a bit dull and lifeless? Don’t worry, there’s a simple solution that involves two surprisingly common household items: eggs and toothpaste! This fascinating life hack can work wonders on rejuvenating your leather goods.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 egg white
- A small amount of toothpaste (preferably non-gel and non-whitening)
Instructions:
- Clean the Leather: Start by ensuring the leather surface is clean and dry. Use a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the egg white and mix well until combined.
- Apply the Mixture: Using a soft cloth, apply the mixture to the leather in a circular motion. Work in small sections to ensure even coverage.
- Buff and Shine: Allow the mixture to sit on the leather for about 5 minutes, then buff the leather with another clean, dry cloth. You’ll be amazed at how it rejuvenates the leather, leaving it with a subtle shine.
Why It Works:
- Egg White: The egg white tightens and forms a thin film on the leather, helping to smooth out its surface and tighten the pores.
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste acts as a mild cleanser and has slight abrasive properties, which can effectively remove superficial stains and restore the leather’s natural shine.
Additional Tips:
- Test First: It’s always a good idea to test this method on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather before applying it to the entire surface to make sure there are no adverse reactions.
- Use Sparingly: Since toothpaste can be abrasive, use only a small amount and apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the leather.
Caution:
While this egg and toothpaste hack can work wonders, it’s important to remember that using products specifically designed for leather care is always the best option for maintaining the longevity of your leather items. Consider this hack as a quick fix or last resort rather than a regular maintenance method.
So give this egg and toothpaste hack a try and bring your old leather goods back to life!
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