A tooth-stimulating medication is coming soon.

Japanese scientists are researching a drug that stimulates the growth of new teeth, with a market launch expected around 2030.

The study, funded by Kyoto University, is expected to begin clinical trials on healthy volunteers in July 2024. The goal is to confirm the drug's safety.

According to experts, everyone has "tooth buds" beneath the gums, which have the potential to grow into a new tooth in addition to baby teeth and permanent teeth. However, tooth buds usually don't develop and disappear over time.

The research team created an antibody drug that inhibits the action of a protein that prevents tooth growth. The drug acts on tooth buds, stimulating their development.

In 2018, the research team also used this drug on ferrets – a species that has both deciduous and permanent teeth, similar to humans. As a result, the ferrets grew new teeth.

New teeth of a laboratory ferret after being given a tooth-growth stimulant. Photo: Kyodo

The research team plans to conduct a clinical trial of this drug starting in 2025 for children aged 2-6 with congenital tooth loss. These patients typically lack some or all of their permanent teeth. Volunteers will receive a dose of the drug to stimulate tooth eruption.

Many scientists hope this drug can be used for adults who have lost teeth due to cavities. Katsu Takahashi, co-founder of Toregem Biopharma and head of the maxillofacial surgery department at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, said: "Tooth loss in children can affect jaw bone development. We hope this drug will play a significant role in addressing those issues."

The pathological consequences of tooth loss include reduced chewing function, tooth misalignment and malocclusion, alveolar bone loss, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, incorrect speech, and negative impacts on aesthetics and communication.

Thuc Linh (According to Kyodo )

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