Can medicine grow teeth?

Teeth regrowth medicine - 31st July 2023

A research team in Kyoto, Japan, has developed a medicine that regrows teeth. Aimed at helping children born with tooth development conditions, the potential miracle drug is set to undergo human trials in 2024.

Led by Katsu Takahashi, the team started with a protein, USAG-1, that inhibits tooth growth. Takahashi hypothesised that blocking USAG-1 could result in the body generating new teeth. Takahashi commented that "The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist's dream," and that he could "make it happen".

Takahashi endeavours to do more than give patients a full smile. He wants to help children who have tooth agenesis. Frequently, these children struggle to chew, swallow and speak, which has an adverse effect on their development. Providing a means for these patients to get a new set of teeth could significantly improve their lives.

In animal testing trials, mice and ferrets were injected with a USAG-1 blocking antibody. The animals had agenesis, a genetic condition which prevents tooth development. After administration of the antibody, test subjects grew teeth where they were missing. If human trials prove successful, Takahashi's dental antibody will first be used to help 2 to 6 year old patients who have anodontia.

Although humans may respond differently to the medicine, there is already evidence humans can regrow teeth. Normally, humans grow two sets of teeth, the first set which falls out between ages 6 to 13 and gets replaced by the second permanent ones. Takahashi claims that humans once grew a third generation of teeth and the buds of these are still in the human body. People who grew extra teeth known as hyperdontia, have developed a third row of teeth.

Currently, anyone with tooth agenesis, whether caused by their genetics or tooth decay from cavities, has two options: dentures or implants. Takahashi's research could promise a third alternative in future.