Cryopreservation of stem cells may sound like science fiction, but I assure you, it is not.
According to scientists, baby teeth have stem cells that help regenerate various parts of the body, so one day, these tiny teeth could save lives.
Some parents have taken this to heart and have started storing their children’s teeth for the future. This is called tooth banking.
The cells from which all of our organs and tissues grow are called stem cells. Their capacity to divide, heal, and rejuvenate the human body sets them apart. Stem cells come from two primary sources
What Are Stem Cells?
Embryos: Also referred to as embryonic stem cells, they are created during the
- blastocyst stage of embryological development.
- Adult stem cells, also known as adult tissue
Both are characterized by their potency and potential to turn into other types of cells like muscle or bone.
The stem cells found in baby teeth are known as SHED cells and have slightly different properties than the other kinds.
“The SHED cells seem to make not only dentin but also something that is similar to bone,” says Dr. Pamela Robey, chief of the branch of the craniofacial and skeletal disease of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Biological insurance
As a kind of biological insurance, baby teeth can be preserved and are a source of stem cells similar to bone marrow. However, there is still disagreement among scientists, physicians, and dentists over its current value.
