Tooth loss is a process that a person may face from childhood to adulthood. While it is normal for children to lose their primary teeth, tooth loss in adults can occur due to injury or disease, such as tooth loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Scientists have successfully regenerated teeth in mice, a breakthrough that could change our understanding of tooth regeneration, according to new research.
"Not only does tooth loss affect appearance, it can also impact overall health and well-being, increasing the likelihood of depression."
Typically, children begin to replace their primary teeth around age six and continue to do so until age twelve. Tooth loss during this process is completely normal, but in adults, tooth extraction is often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of good oral care, and the effects of various diseases.
As we age, our permanent teeth are constantly exposed to normal mechanical forces, such as abrasion during chewing, as well as abnormal mechanical forces, such as bruxism and external injuries. In addition, the impact of oral diseases cannot be ignored.
"Good oral hygiene is the main way to prevent tooth loss, and maintaining regular dental checkups will help detect problems early."
Basic oral hygiene requirements include brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. Regular dental checkups can ensure that teeth are taken care of even in older people who are no longer able to care for themselves. Wearing a mouth guard and face guard during contact sports can reduce the risk of oral injury, while using a night guard can also protect teeth in cases of nighttime grinding.
With the advancement of science and technology, research on tooth regeneration continues to make breakthroughs. Recently, a Japanese research team successfully regenerated fully functional teeth in mice. In this process, scientists extracted epithelial and mesenchymal cells from mice and cultured them to produce tooth "buds", which were then implanted into the bone of the missing tooth. Ultimately, the tooth growing in the bone has the correct appearance, internal structure, hardness, strength, and sensitivity, and fits perfectly with the corresponding tooth.
"This technology may become a treatment option for tooth loss in the future, allowing people to no longer worry about losing their teeth."
As the need for teeth to grow again comes to mind, people can't help but wonder: If this technology can be applied to humans, how will the future health care system change, or what kind of moral and ethical issues will there be? Is there a problem we need to face?