Technological advances within the field of science have brought about many great advancements over the years. Research scientists are experimenting with ways to actually grow teeth from stem cells. By the use of laser and stem cells, it may be possible to grow normal healthy teeth in humans.
In fact, a team of dentists have even used rodents to see if they were able to regrow teeth by using a laser instrument and stem cells. First, the dentist drilled a series of holes in the teeth of laboratory rats. After the holes were drilled in the tooth of the rat adult stem cells were applied to the pulp portion of the remaining tooth. Humans also have pulp which can be found in adult human teeth. The stem cells were applied by using a low powered laser. Only a low powered laser may be used in a procedure of this nature.
After the laser was applied to the tooth, the dentist constructed a temporary cap and placed it over each tooth of the rat. Over the next 10-12 weeks, the teeth were carefully observed through x rays and by simply looking at the teeth with the naked eye. Through careful observation over a 12 week period, it was noticed that under a thin layer of enamel the tooth had in fact begun to grow.
This is a very complex procedure and it is unknown whether or not this procedure could be used in place of common dental procedures. Regrowing teeth is a procedure that is so complex because it involves stem cells and various proteins that are found in human as well as animal saliva.
Stem cells are also being used in an effort to rebuild a jawbone so dental implants may fit securely. Stem cells have been found useful to treat a number of ailments and defects. However, stem cell research and application is still considered by many as controversial.
If this procedure can help humans to grow teeth in the future it would certainly be a real breakthrough as far as medical science and dentistry are concerned. Due to the fact that this procedure involves the manipulating of cells and proteins, it is considered quite complex and more research and testing may be needed.
The Business Insider also published an article and photo which illustrated how the teeth begin to regenerate after treatment with a low power laser and stem cells. The photo was quite impressive and gives the public some insight on what the future of science may hold.
Growing teeth is considered to be regenerative medicine and may one day replace the root canal as well as other dental procedures. Additional research and testing is currently underway.
Showing posts with label Remineralization. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Remineralization. Show all posts
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Friday, August 8, 2014
Understanding Remineralization
Dental enamel is composed largely of hydroxyapatite, otherwise known as crystalline calcium. Ions are often removed from enamel via plaque and acids while leaving the overall structure of the tooth intact. Much like the popular table game Jenga, one ion is removed here and another there, until the structure is eventually compromised. This will at first cause a visible browning of the enamel affected, making that area weak and vulnerable to acid erosion. Fortunately, there is a way to put the pieces back into the framework of the tooth.
While large cavities may be too far gone, the body does have in place a function capable of remineralizing lost ions in smaller cavities. Dental enamel is a living stone, as such the minerals contained therein are unavoidably leeched out in acidic solutions. How then would the body put these minerals back into the living stone of the teeth?
The answer lies in the very air we inhale. Our bodies use saliva and carbon dioxide from the air we breathe to create a substance known as carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is an unstable, mild acid that works behind the scenes to accomplish the magic of remineralization. As with other acids, carbonic acid dissolves minerals in saliva. What makes carbonic acid different is that it rapidly converts back to carbon dioxide and water. During this process, mineral ions contained within precipitate out as ions capable of binding to the enamel structure. However, for this process to occur there must be a few conditions present.
First, saliva must contain a plentiful amount of nutrients. Some nutrients that help are zinc, phosphorus, calcium, folate, iron, vitamin d, vitamin a and vitamin c. Secondly, the carbonic acid must be produced in perimeter to the mineral molecule. From here it dissolves the mineral into an ionic block capable of binding to the demineralized portion of enamel. For the ion to bind, teeth must be free of plaque and any other debris. Once these above conditions are met, the ion is attracted to the demineralized portion via opposite polar attraction. Finally, the carbonic acid converts back to water and carbon dioxide, precipitating and incorporating the newly formed mineral into tooth structure.
While large cavities may be too far gone, the body does have in place a function capable of remineralizing lost ions in smaller cavities. Dental enamel is a living stone, as such the minerals contained therein are unavoidably leeched out in acidic solutions. How then would the body put these minerals back into the living stone of the teeth?
The answer lies in the very air we inhale. Our bodies use saliva and carbon dioxide from the air we breathe to create a substance known as carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is an unstable, mild acid that works behind the scenes to accomplish the magic of remineralization. As with other acids, carbonic acid dissolves minerals in saliva. What makes carbonic acid different is that it rapidly converts back to carbon dioxide and water. During this process, mineral ions contained within precipitate out as ions capable of binding to the enamel structure. However, for this process to occur there must be a few conditions present.
First, saliva must contain a plentiful amount of nutrients. Some nutrients that help are zinc, phosphorus, calcium, folate, iron, vitamin d, vitamin a and vitamin c. Secondly, the carbonic acid must be produced in perimeter to the mineral molecule. From here it dissolves the mineral into an ionic block capable of binding to the demineralized portion of enamel. For the ion to bind, teeth must be free of plaque and any other debris. Once these above conditions are met, the ion is attracted to the demineralized portion via opposite polar attraction. Finally, the carbonic acid converts back to water and carbon dioxide, precipitating and incorporating the newly formed mineral into tooth structure.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Benefits of Xylitol
Xylitol is a great sugar substitute as it consists of the same texture and sweetness as conventional table sugar.
Xylitol was discovered in the late 1800‘s in Germany, but it wasn't until the 1940‘s that scientists used it as a sugar substitute. It has many benefits over sugar, some of these include: having fewer calories, can be used safely by those with diabeties, it's all-natural, it benefits your bones, and it of course helps to prevent tooth cavities and tooth decay.
Plain sugar has a lot of calories. There are 360 calories in a half- cup of sugar and 216 in a half-cup of Xylitol. If you are trying to lose weight, xylitol can also help reduce your calorie intake. Sugar is also proven to cause many adverse effects when consumed in excess.
Unlike sugar, Xylitol does not need insulin to break it down. Those with diabetes produce very little insulin. Although it has some similarities with sugar, Xylitol enters the bloodstream very slowly. As a result, most of it is broken down in the intestines and then passed on to the liver.
All-natural is the buzzword for this sugar substitute. Xylitol is found in vegetables, birch trees, and some fruits. This makes it extremely safe as compared to some other controversial synthesized sugar substitutes. It is even produced naturally in the body and helps in some metabolic processes.
Bone health is important, and Xylitol has been shown to help keep your bones healthy. Studies have shown that it actually can prevent bone loss and can help prevent osteoporosis, a severe bone degradation process. It does this by helping calcium to be absorbed more efficiently. In this way, Xylitol is completely different from sugar.
Probably the most important health benefit of using this sugar alternative is, of course, enamel health. Unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause rapid cavities or tooth decay. Xylitol works because of how bacteria eat to survive. Sugar is food for bacteria, and they can easily metabolize the sugar. When this happens, the bacteria produce acids that wear away the tooth enamel and cause cavities. Bacteria are unable to feed on Xylitol and therefore unable to replicate. Thus, preventing tooth decay.
Some might say it is obvious that Xylitol can have tremendous beneficial effects on your dental health. Since Xylitol is a safe and healthier natural alternative to sugar, using it in your diet will also help to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Xylitol was discovered in the late 1800‘s in Germany, but it wasn't until the 1940‘s that scientists used it as a sugar substitute. It has many benefits over sugar, some of these include: having fewer calories, can be used safely by those with diabeties, it's all-natural, it benefits your bones, and it of course helps to prevent tooth cavities and tooth decay.
Plain sugar has a lot of calories. There are 360 calories in a half- cup of sugar and 216 in a half-cup of Xylitol. If you are trying to lose weight, xylitol can also help reduce your calorie intake. Sugar is also proven to cause many adverse effects when consumed in excess.
Unlike sugar, Xylitol does not need insulin to break it down. Those with diabetes produce very little insulin. Although it has some similarities with sugar, Xylitol enters the bloodstream very slowly. As a result, most of it is broken down in the intestines and then passed on to the liver.
All-natural is the buzzword for this sugar substitute. Xylitol is found in vegetables, birch trees, and some fruits. This makes it extremely safe as compared to some other controversial synthesized sugar substitutes. It is even produced naturally in the body and helps in some metabolic processes.
Bone health is important, and Xylitol has been shown to help keep your bones healthy. Studies have shown that it actually can prevent bone loss and can help prevent osteoporosis, a severe bone degradation process. It does this by helping calcium to be absorbed more efficiently. In this way, Xylitol is completely different from sugar.
Probably the most important health benefit of using this sugar alternative is, of course, enamel health. Unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause rapid cavities or tooth decay. Xylitol works because of how bacteria eat to survive. Sugar is food for bacteria, and they can easily metabolize the sugar. When this happens, the bacteria produce acids that wear away the tooth enamel and cause cavities. Bacteria are unable to feed on Xylitol and therefore unable to replicate. Thus, preventing tooth decay.
Some might say it is obvious that Xylitol can have tremendous beneficial effects on your dental health. Since Xylitol is a safe and healthier natural alternative to sugar, using it in your diet will also help to promote a healthier lifestyle.
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