I was really surprised when I first heard about baby teeth stem cell banking—the idea that those tiny teeth could one day help treat injuries or serious illnesses. It turns out that baby teeth have special stem cells called SHED cells, which might be able to regrow dentin and even form bone. It sounds like something from the future, but some companies are already offering to freeze these cells for potential medical use later.
Could It Be Life-Saving?
At first, I thought it was just an internet rumor. But then I read that stem cells from baby teeth could possibly help repair damage caused by certain diseases or treatments like chemotherapy. Not everyone is convinced, though. Dr. Pamela Robey, a leading expert, believes it might be too soon to start storing every tooth. Still, the fact that this technology exists makes you wonder what research might uncover next.
The Cost vs. The Benefits
Like most new medical options, this isn’t cheap. Companies like Store-A-Tooth and ToothBank charge over $1,700 just for the initial process, plus yearly storage fees. That’s a lot of money, especially when there’s no guarantee these cells will actually be useful. But for some parents, this could be seen as a type of “biological insurance.” If these cells end up saving a life in the future, the cost might seem worth it.
Where Science Is Going
A 2018 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that dental tissue can be generated from baby teeth stem cells. That’s an exciting step forward. But experts warn that it’s too early to expect these cells to cure conditions like leukemia or bone damage. Still, it makes you wonder—could we be on the edge of a major breakthrough?
If baby teeth stem cell banking turns out to be as useful as some believe, saving those little teeth might be one of the smartest choices parents could make.