Researchers at the King's College London published an interesting study in Scientific Reports wherein a novel stem cell treatment was used to self-heal tooth cavities.
The study involved the use of a molecule called Tideglusib, a kinase inhibitor that actually activates stem cells and pushes them into repair mode. This same inhibitor has also been successfully used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease through clinical trials.
Traditionally, large cavities have been filled with a variety of substances, including porcelain, composite resin, cement, gold, and amalgams that may have mercury or silver. These types of fillings remain in the tooth indefinitely, and can break over time. This obviously then requires another filling to replace the damaged one. The reason to have fillings is that teeth cannot naturally repair large cavities on their own.
Ordinarily, our teeth heal damage by promoting the release of dentine within our bodies. Dentine is the hard, dense bony tissue of our teeth that occurs below the enamel. This natural coating helps to protect the soft pulp of our teeth. In the case of large cavities, the amount of dentine that is naturally produced is insufficient to completely heal the deficit. In addition, it appears that fillings themselves subsequently prevent normal mineral levels from being restored in the affected tooth.
The researchers in this study proposed a new treatment option that involves biodegradable collagen sponges along with Tideglusib to promote stem cell activity. The sponges help to deliver glycogen molecules into the cavity and then deteriorate over time, allowing dentine and the natural mineralization to fill in the cavity. Through this treatment modality, stem cells are signaled and attracted to the damaged area, helping to activate the natural repair mechanism.
This novel approach would diminish the need for traditional fillings and the possibility of needing those replaced in the future. Once again, our very own cells are used to heal and treat our own bodies!
