Dental Chief Welcomes Tooth-Restoration Discovery

Thu, 26 Feb 2009

Scientists in the US believe they have found a new gene that will enable the restoration of teeth .

In addition to developing the immune and nervous systems, US researchers have discovered that the gene – called Ctip2 – could lead to the repair of damaged enamel, and the restoration, or ultimately the production, of teeth .

A research a team at the University of Oregon made the breakthrough after breeding mice that lacked the Ctip2 gene.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), said: "It is early days and the science must back up the promise before we get too excited, but any research which sets out to improve oral health is to be welcomed."

The dental charity boss added: "Repair of enamel could well prove to be an important strand for dentistry in the future. Until then we will continue to promote the message of a good oral health routine to prevent erosion and decay ."

Professor Paul Sharpe, a tooth development expert from Kings College, London, commented: "People have been trying for many years to grow ameloblasts, the cells that organise enamel formation."

"Understanding more of the genes that are involved in ameloblast formation and function might in theory help to engineer cells to make enamel, but is important to remember that enamel is an incredibly complex and unique structure."
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