Parents, Here’s Why You Should Consider Keeping Your Child’s Baby Teeth
Why Keeping Your Child’s Baby Teeth Could Be a Game-Changer
Cryopreservation of stem cells might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but it’s a real and evolving field of medical science.
The Hidden Power of Baby Teeth
According to researchers, baby teeth contain valuable stem cells capable of regenerating different parts of the body. In the future, these tiny teeth could play a crucial role in life-saving treatments. This has led some parents to store their children’s baby teeth in specialized facilities—a process known as tooth banking.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the building blocks of the body, responsible for developing and repairing tissues and organs. There are two primary types of stem cells:
- Embryonic Stem Cells – Derived from embryos during early development.
- Adult Stem Cells – Found in various tissues, including bone marrow, fat, and baby teeth.
Baby teeth contain SHED cells (Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth), which have unique regenerative properties. According to Dr. Pamela Robey of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, SHED cells can produce dentin and structures similar to bone.
Tooth Banking: A Form of Biological Insurance?
Like bone marrow, baby teeth serve as a potential source of stem cells. While the technology for using these stem cells is still developing, some experts believe they could hold great promise for future medical advancements.
Dr. Jade Miller, President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, stated:
“The science is strong enough to show it’s not science fiction. There’s going to be a significant application, and I want to give my grandkids the opportunity to have those options.”
Potential Uses of Baby Teeth Stem Cells
Stem cell therapy is a rapidly evolving field, and while the full potential of SHED cells is still being explored, they could one day be used to:
✅ Regenerate dental pulp
✅ Regrow entire teeth
✅ Repair damaged cells caused by chemotherapy or disease
✅ Treat blood disorders such as leukemia and lymphoma (though this application is still in early research stages)
How Tooth Banking Works
Some companies, such as Store-A-Tooth and ToothBank, offer services to extract and preserve stem cells from baby teeth. Here’s how it works:
- Parents send their child’s tooth to the company.
- Scientists extract and culture the stem cells.
- The stem cells are cryopreserved for potential future use.
However, this service comes at a cost. For example, Store-A-Tooth charges an upfront fee of $1,747, with an additional annual storage fee of $120. Since the technology to fully utilize these cells is still in development, there’s no guarantee that investing in tooth banking will pay off in the future.
The Need for Further Research
Some progress has already been made. A 2018 study from the University of Pennsylvania demonstrated that dental tissue could be successfully regenerated using baby teeth stem cells. However, many experts agree that more research is needed before dental pulp stem cells become a mainstream treatment option.
Final Thoughts
The idea of storing baby teeth for future medical advancements is both exciting and uncertain. While the potential applications of SHED cells are promising, the technology is still in its early stages. If you’re considering tooth banking, weigh the costs against the potential benefits—and keep an eye on future developments in stem cell research.
