Hey look, scientists have found a way for people to grow some new teeth? Seriously? As in, is that for real? Well, it may take some time before it happens but if the scientists succeed, we would all be saying goodbye to them dentures?

At this point, the scientists have identified the gene – a “transcription factor” called Ctip2 – which makes you, me and our cousin Joe produce tooth enamel. Further studies in the future will tell us whether we can actually regrow the teeth we’ve lost to the tooth fairy.

From Daily Mail:
Experiments in mice have previously shown that the gene, a ‘transcription factor’ called Ctip2, is involved in the immune system and in the development of skin and nerves. The latest research, from Oregon State University in the U.S., adds enamel production to the list.
…
Researcher Dr Chrissa Kioussi said: “It’s not unusual for a gene to have multiple functions, but before this we didn’t know what regulated the production of tooth enamel. This is the first transcription factor ever found to control the formation and maturation of ameloblasts, which are the cells that secrete enamel.

Enamel is one of the hardest coatings found in nature. A lot of work would still be needed to bring this to human applications, but it should work. It could be really cool, a whole new approach to dental health.”

*****

Bad or Negative Effect of Mouthwash: Brown Teeth Stains?
07 August 2009

You might be able to regrow your teeth but what would you do if it turned brown because of the mouthwash you’ve been using? Maybe sue the mouthwash manufacturer? Some guy in Detroit is doing exactly that. He is suing Procter and Gamble because its mouthwash allegedly turned his teeth brown. Yaiks.

From wcpo:

A Detroit-area lawyer is suing Procter and Gamble. He says Crest Pro-Health mouthwash has given his teeth brown stains. His lawsuit, filed this Thursday in federal court in Detroit, seeks class-action status.

This is not the first complaint about Crest Pro-Health. In Healthy Living, we’ve told you about other complaints – some to the FDA, others popping up on Internet sites. P&G continues to say “99.9 percent” of users have not complained, and that the stains are not harmful.

Honestly, we don’t know whether to cheer for this guy or not. What about you?