by Terrence Aym

Created on: August 04, 2010

Could dental fillings go the way of the buggy whip? Researchers in France think so. They point to lab experiments that have regrown rotted teeth in only a month.

Hormone triggers cellular regeneration

The key to this incredible dental breakthrough is a substance known as MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone). The hormone is naturally produced in the pituitary—a gland about the size of a pea located midway between the eyes.

For many years MSH has been known to play a role in skin color—the higher the amount in the body the darker the overall pigment. Recently, however, important evidence has surfaced that the hormone could also pay an important role in the ongoing efforts to facilitate bone regeneration.

The relationship of MSH to bone tissue got a team of French researchers thinking about teeth. Because the composition of teeth is very similar to bone, a group of scientists at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research in Paris tested MSH's efficacy in stimulating the regeneration of decayed teeth. Their study focused on prompting cells within still living, but decay damaged teeth using a gel specially formulated with MSH. They sought to determine if the hormone could stimulate new tooth growth.

A better way to treat tooth decay

The French team's remarkable findings are outlined in a recent article published by the American Chemical Society's journal "ACS Nano." According to the article, the research confirmed that tooth cells can be regrown and the method is a better solution than drilling and filling cavities.

The process of tooth decay begins with the interaction of a bacteria (streptococcus mutans) that dwells in the mouth and feeds off sugar. As the bacteria grow, they have a penchant for adhering themselves to the surface of the tooth, the enamel. The bacteria's digestive processes set off a series of corrosive chemical reactions—demineralization—that converts sugar into an acid that literally eats holes into teeth.

The current treatment of cavities employs a barrage of needles, Novacaine, drills and dubious amalgams of metals, plastics and glues that often creates short-term trauma in many and may cause harmful effects in the body over the long-term.

The new gel is pain-free, stops the decay and regrows the damaged tooth.

In addition to generating healthy new tooth cells, the MSH gel also promotes what's known as "adhesion." According to dental health experts, adhesion is the process that causes cells to lock together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Adhesion strengthens tooth pulp and hardens the enamel. Both of these benefits not only help create a new tooth, but also work together as a shield to discourage future attacks by the streptococcus mutans bacteria.

This is important because it produces strong tooth pulp and enamel which could make the decayed tooth as good as new.

Dental experts familiar with the innovative approach think the newly grown tooth cells would be stronger and last longer than traditional fillings.

Recently the media has reported on separate laboratory research by the same team. The MSH gel was used to treat mice suffering from dental cavities. According to the team's data, the cavities disappeared in just four weeks.

It's predicted a form of the new dental gel will be available to dentists for the treatment of patients within three to five years.

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