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I need a new set of teeth! Here are my stem cells

Posted by on July 4, 2014

By Rahmat Ali, work experience student at the Society of Biology

I had the privilege of working and studying in various departments from Orthodontic to Maxillofacial in Kings College Hospital. It was a year of hearing lectures on how to brush my teeth two or sometimes even three times a day! I’ve learnt as a dental apprentice that it is just as important to floss, as it’s this white minty thread that can prevent root canals, extractions and infections.

Crucial it may be, but my views changed thanks to my colleague who inspired me with her research in craniofacial development and stem cell biology. She works with the structure and development of the skull and face, and researches how stem cells can be used to regenerate this structure. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can be manipulated to differentiate into other kinds of cell.

She explained that it’s just as important to use the correct parts of my teeth and the sorts of food I’m eating keep my teeth and mouth healthy.

NOW THAT I CAN DO!

Kings College Hospital has a Maxillofacial Department where advice and treatments available.

But it wasn’t too long before I found myself digging through old notes on ‘How to brush my teeth’ due to research by Professor Paul Sharpe who has influenced me to take extra care of my teeth.

He said the hope was that one day the technology could replace current dental implants. “But if it’s going to work it has to be about the same price as a dental implant so we have to find a way to do it that is easy and cheap,” he said. This is why more research is being done. It may provide solutions assisting in treatments replacing tissues and organs.

This solution may be available to me and other patients in some years’ time but clinics can only provide this if I still have my set of teeth.  And now I know that I must brush two times a day, floss and eat healthy food. NOW THAT I WILL DO! And YOU SHOULD TOO!

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