For those of you whose teeth are missing or who want that perfect smile, there may be a piece of good news coming soon. A team of dentists from Japan have experimented with a potential drug and human trials are expected to begin soon. However, this will take a prolonged time before being available for commercial use in the market.
Most human beings develop two sets of teeth in their lifetime. They develop a pair of teeth called the Milk Teeth, six months after their birth. This set falls off around the age of six. They then develop a set of teeth called the ‘Permanent Teeth’. However, in many individuals, teeth are missing due to biological reasons, environmental factors, or even accidents. It is this kind that has all the reasons to cheer.
In Britain, three to five percent of the population is born with missing teeth. It is also being reported that 75% of British adults don’t have a full set of teeth. Six percent have none of their original teeth.
Experiment conducted
The team of dentists from Japan conducted experiments on Mice, Ferrets and Beagles. The drug works by deactivating a protein called USAG-1 which inhibits the growth of teeth. Once this has been deactivated, teeth grow. There were no side effects which were reported in any of the subjects involving the animals.
Even humans have the same protein called the USAG-1 and the upcoming trials will involve 30 males in the age group of 30-64 who are missing at least one tooth.
The team of dentists was led by Dr Katsu Takahashi. If the experiments are successful on humans, they intend to administer the drug to those in the age group of two to seven who have at least four teeth missing from birth.
Post this, the researchers want to expand to administer this drug to those who are missing one to five permanent teeth due to environmental factors. The dentists believe that this drug will be available in the market for the general population by 2030.
FAQ’s
1. It is normal to have milk teeth in adulthood?
While milk teeth do fall out by the age of six, it is normal for some people to retain one or more milk teeth into adulthood. However, it may cause some other medical issues.
2. Is there a dental crisis in the UK?
Yes, there is a crisis. Many people are finding it tough to fix appointments with the NHS.
Most human beings develop two sets of teeth in their lifetime. They develop a pair of teeth called the Milk Teeth, six months after their birth. This set falls off around the age of six. They then develop a set of teeth called the ‘Permanent Teeth’. However, in many individuals, teeth are missing due to biological reasons, environmental factors, or even accidents. It is this kind that has all the reasons to cheer.
In Britain, three to five percent of the population is born with missing teeth. It is also being reported that 75% of British adults don’t have a full set of teeth. Six percent have none of their original teeth.
Experiment conducted
The team of dentists from Japan conducted experiments on Mice, Ferrets and Beagles. The drug works by deactivating a protein called USAG-1 which inhibits the growth of teeth. Once this has been deactivated, teeth grow. There were no side effects which were reported in any of the subjects involving the animals. Even humans have the same protein called the USAG-1 and the upcoming trials will involve 30 males in the age group of 30-64 who are missing at least one tooth.
The team of dentists was led by Dr Katsu Takahashi. If the experiments are successful on humans, they intend to administer the drug to those in the age group of two to seven who have at least four teeth missing from birth.
Post this, the researchers want to expand to administer this drug to those who are missing one to five permanent teeth due to environmental factors. The dentists believe that this drug will be available in the market for the general population by 2030.
FAQ’s
1. It is normal to have milk teeth in adulthood?While milk teeth do fall out by the age of six, it is normal for some people to retain one or more milk teeth into adulthood. However, it may cause some other medical issues.
2. Is there a dental crisis in the UK?
Yes, there is a crisis. Many people are finding it tough to fix appointments with the NHS.
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