Researchers at King’s College London found that the drug Tideglusib stimulates the stem cells contained in the pulp of teeth so that they generate new dentine – the mineralised material under the enamel.
Teeth already have the capability of regenerating dentine if the pulp inside the tooth becomes exposed through a trauma or infection, but can only naturally make a very thin layer, and not enough to fill the deep cavities caused by tooth decay.
But Tideglusib switches off an enzyme called GSK-3 which prevents dentine from carrying on forming.
Scientists showed it is possible to soak a small biodegradable sponge with the drug and insert it into a cavity, where it triggers the growth of dentine and repairs the damage within six weeks.
The tiny sponges are made out of collagen so they melt away over time, leaving only the repaired tooth.
That is by far the coolest thing I’ve heard this year.
‘Okay so guys we’re still working on that whole alzheimer’s thing, but along the way we kind of accidentally regrew everybody’s teeth.’
90% of the biggest scientific advances in history have been mistakes somebody made while they were trying to solve a completely different problem and I love it.
End of fillings in sight as scientists find Alzheimer's drug makes teeth grow back
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