Posted on 05/01/2026 7:44:31 PM PDT by Red Badger
Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:
While bones can regrow themselves when they break, teeth aren’t so lucky, and that leads to millions of people worldwide suffering from some form of edentulism, a.k.a. toothlessness. Now, Japanese researchers are moving a promising, tooth-regrowing medicine into human trials. If the trial is successful, the researchers hope the drug will become available for all forms of toothlessness sometime around 2030.
The average adult human body contains 206 bones—the hardened mixtures of calcium, minerals, and collagen that provide the biological scaffolding that walks us through our day. While we may not think of them much, bones are incredibly resilient. But if they do break, they have this nifty trick of regrowing themselves.
Teeth, however, are not bones. Although they’re made of some of the same stuff and are the hardest material in the human body (thanks to its protective layer of enamel), they lack the crucial ability to heal and regrow themselves. But that may not always be the case. Japanese researchers have moved forward with an experimental drug that promises to regrow human teeth. Human trials began in September 2024.
“We want to do something to help those who are suffering from tooth loss or absence,” Katsu Takahashi, the head of dentistry at the medical research institute at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, told The Mainichi in 2024. “While there has been no treatment to date providing a permanent cure, we feel that people’s expectations for tooth growth are high.”
This development follows years of study around a particular antibody named Uterine sensitization–associated gene-1 (USAG-1), which has been shown to inhibit the growth of teeth in ferrets and mice. Back in 2021, scientists from the Kyoto University—who will also be involved in future human trials—discovered a monoclonal antibody (a technique usually used in fighting cancer) that disrupted the interaction between USAG-1 and molecules known as bone morphogenetic protein, or BMP.
“We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough,” Kyoto University’s Katsu Takahashi, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement at the time. “Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans.”
So now, scientists are seeing just how similar, because humans are undergoing a similar trial. This study focuses on 30 males between the ages of 30 and 64—each missing at least one tooth. The drug will be administered intravenously to prove its effectiveness and safety, and luckily, no side effects have been reported in previous animal studies.
If all goes well, Kitano Hospital will administer the treatment to patients between the ages of 2 to 7 who are missing at least four teeth, with the end goal of having a tooth-regrowing medicine available by the year 2030. While these treatments are currently focused on patients with congenital tooth deficiency, Takahashi hopes the treatment will be available for anyone who’s lost a tooth.
But can humans afford the cost?
Will they stop when they are normal tooth size, or will we have to trim them like rodents?
It sounds great. I could use a few new teeth.😁
I’m trying to imagine myself, in my mid 70’s (as I will be by then) and going through teething pains.
Might be time for a shot of “Medicinal” Brandy before I go to bed. Health reasons and all.
I’m almost 79, and have the majority of my teeth. I have two small permanent bridges that were put in well over 25 years ago.
There are things called “teratomas” which are embryological material that grows in the human body. Sometimes they find, hair, or teeth, or even eyes in them. Lots of references on the net.
Hope this new therapy doesn’t grow teeth in the wrong place.
If I had bridges for all my missing teeth my mouth would look like a map of New York City............
Can’t wait 4 years. 😂👍
LOL!! With how many one-way streets???
They are probably going to charge $10k per tooth.
It will be like sharks, where a new row is already there waiting to replace any damaged teeth. You will be able to chew off bottle caps with impunity..
I have no teeth because of a traffic accident 40 years ago. I have feeling that around the time I die from old age will be when it is affordable for someone like me to regrow new teeth
I’d rejoice too. Dental problems since I was 4, always detested the taste of milk, system lacks calcium. Young dentists retired on my payments. Miraculously, I still have many of my own fangs in my face.
Medicare?
“ I have feeling that around the time I die from old age will be when it is affordable for someone like me to regrow new teeth.”
You can die with a smile.
And this is the last we’ll ever hear of it.
Worth it!
And if you don't think it's worth it - don't have it done!
Regards,
They’re going to have to make adult teething rings.
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