Teeth Whitening and Stem Cell Use

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- New ways to whiten your smile and new uses for baby teeth were announced this week at the American Dental Association's National Media Conference in New York.

The first study, led by Frederick Eichmiller, D.D.S., director of the American Dental Association's Paffenbarger Research Center, says scientists have created a tooth whitener that can also help teeth heal themselves more quickly.

Whitening can open tiny pores in teeth, causing sensitivity to air and hot and cold food and drinks. Our saliva contains minerals used by teeth to close these pores, but the process is slow. The so-called "white with might" formulation contains the minerals teeth need to heal. Dr. Eichmiller says his research shows it will result in fewer side effects for people looking for a bright white smile.

The second study looks into less controversial sources of stem cells for research. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found stem cells from baby and wisdom teeth and jawbone and periodontal ligaments could be used for future health needs.

The cells are harvested from the pulp layer inside the teeth and ligaments. The stem cells may one day be used to correct periodontal defects and cleft palate or restore nerve cells lost to diseases like Parkinson's, say the researchers. They could also be used to save injured teeth.

The researchers report individuals may one day be able to "bank" their own stem cells from baby and wisdom teeth, in much the same way umbilical cord blood is stored. However, researchers caution it may be years before research in this area is advanced enough to make it practical to use stem cells from these sources.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: American Dental Association's National Media Conference in New York City, June 8, 2005