PUTTING THE ‘WISDOM’ BACK IN ‘WISDOM TEETH’
SCIENTISTS TOYWITH TEETH REGENERATION
Though they might have “wisdom” in their name, it might seem pretty unwise for our bodies to keep producing this third set of useless molars. However, centuries ago, our ancestors relied on wisdom teeth to gnaw through tough plants and meats. Today, we have meat tenderizers and knives to do the work for us, and wisdom teeth are regularly plucked from our mouths as they grow in.
protein production of Usag-1. In doing so, the ferrets who received the antibodies were able to grow more teeth than ferrets without Usag-1 antibodies. In other studies, like a 2014 Harvard study, lasers were used to activate gum tissue to stimulate tooth growth, much like in reptiles and sharks. If the laser technique can be improved and mass-produced, this could be a minimally invasive treatment option for tooth regeneration. While many more studies are required, the results are promising. Currently, dental implants and bridges serve to literally fill the gap left behind by missing or misaligned teeth. These procedures have become highly effective and provide patients with lasting, healthy smiles. However, if we could regenerate or grow new teeth, we could eliminate the need for these procedures. Right now, we’re still years away from the regrowth options. If you have missing or misaligned teeth, talk to your dental professional about your options. You may not have the ease or genealogical knowledge to grow a new set of pearly whites, but thanks to dental technology improvements, we can create a new smile that functions and looks just like the real thing. Now that’s wise!
Yet, some lucky humans don’t grow these “wisdom” teeth, and that evolution has scientists curious: What if humans could grow teeth to replace damaged or missing ones? Researchers have discovered that people who don’t grow wisdom teeth commonly have a gene labeled as Usag-1, or uterine sensitization- associated gene 1. (Real catchy.) This gene can control tissue growth, which means it can prohibit the generation of extra teeth by producing a protein that inhibits development.
In a recent test on ferrets — who surprisingly have human-like teeth — scientists used antibodies to limit the
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2 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com
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