Turns out we have a third set of teeth, and these scientists know how to make them come out.

People have two sets of teeth. We are born without them, but little by little we begin to develop those which are known as baby teeth. These small teeth spend the first years of life with us, but around age 6 they begin to naturally fall out to make room for teeth. permanent teeth. We have to make a huge effort to take care of these new teeth since they are no longer there. If they fall out, the tear will be permanent unless we decide to get a prosthesis. This is the only thing we can do for now. But what if there was a drug that would make grow new teeth?

It is logical that teeth cannot grow out of nothing. However, it appears that humans have a fetus for birth third set of teeth. It’s blocked; But if we could find a way to unlock it, we could give our smile a new chance.

It is on this premise that the tooth growth preparation is based, which is currently in full production. clinical trials on humans. It was developed by a group of Japanese scientists, although they are not the only ones looking for this third set of teeth. At the moment, they have only confirmed the safety of the drug, but they have high hopes for its success, so they are confident that it could be available by 2030. Considering how long it usually takes to launch a new drug, this is a more optimistic date and, why not? encouraging.

Keys to the drug for teeth growth

This tooth growth product is based on laboratory studies conducted with ferrets and mice. It has been observed that in both cases, if it is blocked a protein called USAG-1, The growth of the third set of teeth is blocked. In these animals, unlike, for example, what occurs in reptiles, the mechanism of tooth growth is very similar to that of humans. Therefore, the same is expected to happen to humans.

Blocking is done using antibodies designed to bind specifically to this protein. They act in the same way as in the immune system when they specifically bind to some foreign agent, infectious or not. They bind to the protein, and in this case the mechanism of its blocking is triggered.

The good thing is that the antibody can be injected exactly where it needs to have an effect, so it can be injected. in the gum exactly where the new tooth should grow.

What’s going on in people?

One would expect that this drug for tooth growth be effective for people for the reasons mentioned above. However, even though we are similar to mice in many ways, what works for them cannot always be extrapolated to us. That is why this clinical trial was initiated, the first phase of which aims to test its safety.

It is expected to be safe because the antibody used is very similar to another already used in humans to treat the virus. osteoporosis. However, it is important to wait for results with caution.

Who will benefit from this drug for teeth growth?

It is assumed that 0.1% of the population experience the absence of six or more teeth from birth. They never grow. Logically, this causes many problems in chewingbut this also has aesthetic consequences that can affect self-esteem. This is not so uncommon in childhood, but during adolescence, many sick people wear masks constantly so that they are not visible. These patients will be the primary target of the tooth-growing drug.

However, since the majority are children, after becoming adults, they are already implants are installed, No one was involved in this first phase, aimed at analyzing the drug’s safety. It included adults who had lost some of their teeth.

We’ll have to wait to find out the results. If all goes well, perhaps by 2030 children will be injecting this promising drug into their gums.